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O                        PRINCETON,    N.    J.                        -^^ 

S/ie(f.. 

BV    4070    .N365    1885 
New  Brunswick    (N.J.). 

Theological   Seminary  of   th 
Centennial   of   the 

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JirUANAOFSmBERG 


ADMtRAL 
BOiSOT 

BRIU..A.D.I572 
LEYDEN.iD.IS74 


NEW  NETHERLANDS 

MiCHAELIUS.A.D.ieaS 
CLASSIS    or   AMSTERDAM' 

PURITAN  FATHERS  OELFTHAVEN  A.0.1620 


HOtUHD. 


CENTENNIAL 


Theological  Seminary 


ReformedChurch  in  America. 

(FORMERLY  REF.  PROT.  DUTCH  CHURCH.) 

1784-1884. 

njii'i'C'c"'.  (lib  ■'ncE'-'s-MAi.  ii:7. 

npoiex^  ^V  (.xi'txyvcodEi,  r^  na(JiXH\}}6Ei,   r^  didccdnaAiq. — I  Tim.  iv:  13. 
Testimonium  enim  Jesti  est  spiritus  prophetiae.—B,EY.  xix:  10. 


NEW  YORK: 

Board  of  Pudlication  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America. 

34  VtSKY  Street. 

1885. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congres«,  in  the  year  1885,  by 

DAVID  D.  DEMAREST,  PAUL  D.  VAN  CLEEF  and  EDWARD  T.  CORWIN, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District    Court  of  the   United  States,  for  the 
Southern  District  of  New  York. 


PRESS   OF 

ROGERS    9i    SMERWOOO, 

21     AND     23     BARCLAY    STREET, 

NEW    YORK. 


PREFACE. 

Our  Theological  Seminary  has  been  the  first  in  the  land  to 
celebrate  a  Centennial  Anniversary.  The  occasion  was  one  of 
extraordiiiary  interest.  This  was  manifested  by  the  very  large 
attendance  at  the  exercises,  and  the  intense  interest  which 
was  exhibited.  Besides  the  Historical  Discourse,  several 
special  Papers  were  read,  and  there  were  many  letters  and 
speeches  of  congratulation. 

The  importance  of  preserving  a  full  account  of  the  proceed- 
ings was  expressed  at  the  close  of  the  meeting  by  the  follow- 
ing resolutions  : 

Whereas,  The  General  Synod  has  not  taken  definite  action  to 
preserve  an  account  of  the  proceedings  of  this  Centennial  Cele- 
bration ;  and 

Whereas,  It  is  eminently  desirable  that  an  appropriate 
Memorial  of  the  occasion  should  be  preserved  ;  therefore 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  pre- 
pare a  Memorial  Volume,  the  general  editing  of  which,  both 
as  to  matter  and  arrangement,  together  with  the  means  of  pub- 
lication, shall  be  left  to  their  discretion,  but  the  general  char- 
acter of  which  shall  be  approximately  as  follows  : 

1.  A  full  account  of  the  proceedings. 

2.  The  history  of  the  Seminary  with  an  Appendix,  to  em- 
brace original  documents,  letters,  additional  historical  notes 
and  references  to  sources  of  authority. 

3.  The  several  addresses  and  speeches  made  on  the  occasion. 

4.  A  Centennial  Catalogue  of  the  Seminary,  but  without 
details  concerning  the  graduates,  as  these  may  be  found  else- 
where. 

The  Committee  thus  informally  appointed  undertook  the 
work  assigned  them.  About  twelve  hundred  pages  of  manu- 
script have  passed  through  their  hands.  The  labor  of  editing 
the  book  has  been  far  greater  than  was  anticipated,  on  account 
of  the  number  and  variety  of  separate  papers.  The  Committee 


iv  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

has  spared  no  labor  or  expense  to  make  the  volume  as  ex- 
haustive as  circumstances  or  propriety  permitted.  We  trust 
that  it  will  be  acceptable  to  the  friends  of  the  Seminary,  as  well 
as  to  the  Church  in  general,  and  be  cherished  as  an  heirloom 
in  our  families  for  many  years  to  come. 

A  full  account  of  the  order  of  proceedings  will  be  found  in 
the  Introduction.  There  has  also  been  inserted  therein  a 
photographic  copy  of  "  Holland's  Column,"  of  historical  and 
symbolical  devices  originally  prepared  for  the  Council  of  the 
Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches  held  at  Philadelphia  in  i88o. 
These  symbols  were  displayed,  with  other  decorations,  at  the 
Seminary  Centennial.  As  these  devices  are  not  very  well  un- 
derstood or  even  known  at  the  present  day,  it  was  thought 
that  a  brief  description  of  them  would  be  acceptable. 

Dr.  Demarest  gave  only  an  abstract  of  the  history  of  the 
Seminary  at  the  Centennial.  The  paper  was  too  long  to  be 
then  read  in  full.  But  the  complete  history,  as  prepared  by 
him,  has  herein  been  given.  It  is  to  this  paper  especially 
that  the  Appendix  appertains,  supplying  documents  and  details 
which  could  not  very  well  be  wrought  into  the  general  history. 
While  the  Appendix  contains  some  documents  of  general  his- 
torical interest,  relating  to  the  beginnings  of  literary  and 
theological  education  in  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  we  may 
say  that  in  general  these  papers  relate  to  the  following  topics: 

1.  To  the  efforts  to  establish  a  literary  institution  in  New 
York. 

2.  To  the  independence  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church. 

3.  To  the  efforts  to  unite  the  Divinity  Professorship  of  the 
Dutch  Church  with  Kings  College,  or  with  the  Princeton  In- 
stitution. 

4.  To  the  actual  establishment  of  a  Synodical  Professorship, 
with  its  early  trials  and  struggles  for  endowment,  with  its 
temporary  union  with  Queens  (afterwards  Rutgers)  College. 

5.  Accounts  of  Professorial  Endowments  and  of  the  Educa- 
tional Funds  for  students. 

6.  Sketches  of  the  Endowers  of  the  Institutions,  and  descrip- 
tions of  the  Buildings  and  the  Library. 

7.  List  of  Missionaries  who  have  gone  forth  from  the  Sem- 
inary. 


PREFACE.  V 

8.  Sketches  of  the  deceased  Professors  with  their  Bibliog- 
raphies. 

9.  A  General  Centennial  Catalogue. 

But  besides  this  historical  material  the  Committee  has  also 
ventured  to  bring  together  for  convenient  reference,  a  com- 
parative view  of  the  Constitutional  Legislation  of  the  Church 
concerning  Professors  of  Theology  ;  (see  Note  3,  pp.  288-297) ; 
and  also  a  comparative  view  of  the  several  Plans  of  the  Theo- 
logical School,  with  the  modifications  from  time  to  time  ;  (see 
Note  49,  pp.  462-475).  It  is  believed  that  these  will  be  useful 
to  show  the  growth  and  present  status  of  the  School,  and  will 
be  convenient  for  reference  both  in  the  General  Synod  and  in 
the  Board  of  Superintendents.  But  although  the  Notes  in  the 
Appendix  had  to  be  arranged  while  the  work  was  passing  through 
the  press,  and  hence  are  not  classified  altogether  as  we  could 
have  wished,  yet  the  copious  Index  which  has  been  furnished 
to  the  volume  will  render  reference  easy  to  every  topic  treated 
therein.  Other  documents  were  on  hand  and  ready  for  inser- 
tion, but  the  increasing  size  of  the  book  led  to  their  omis- 
sion. 

The  speeches  and  addresses  which  were  not  written  out  for  the 
•occasion  were  stenographically  reported  and  corrected  by  the 
•speakers.  Everything  of  importance  which  was  said  or  done 
on  the  occasion  will  be  found  in  this  volume,  from  the  eloquent 
Addressof  Welcome,  with  the  admirable  Response  of  the  Gen- 
eral Synod's  President,  down  to  the  sprightly  Address  of  the 
Alumni's  representative,  with  the  farewell  words  of  the  Chair- 
man of  the  closing  session. 

Finally,  the  large  representation  of  delegates  from  sister  in- 
stitutions, with  letters  of  congratulation  from  others,  is  a  beau- 
tiful exemplification  of  the  fraternal  harmony  of  the  Christian 
denominations  of  our  land.  There  were  words  of  friendship 
and  love  from  Episcopalians  and  Baptists,  from  Lutherans  and 
German  Reformed,  from  Presbyterians  and  Congregationalists* 
from  the  State  Church  of  Holland,  and  from  the  Separatists 
from  that  Church,  and  from  Methodists,  notwithstanding  the 
Canons  of  Dort.  Their  interest  in  our  success,  their  joy  in  our 
maintenance  of  the  Truth,  as  declared  by  them,  would  have 
lingered   long   in  our  memories ;  but  their  loving  words  have 


vi  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

been  made  permanent  upon  the  printed  page,  that  the  following 
generations  may  understand  our  present  fraternity,  and  reach- 
ing on  beyond  our  attainments  of  Brotherhood,  may  help  to 
bring  in  the  Millennial  Kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

David  D.  Demarest,    1 

Paul  D.  Van  Cleef,     [-    Committee, 

April,  1885.  Edward  T.  Corwin.    j 


f    PlillTCiTUlI 


THEOIiOGICAI.  i 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

Introduction. — Prei'.minary  action  in  reference  to  a  Centennial  of  the  Seminary. 
— Place  of  Meeting — The  Services. — Resolutions  of  Thanks. — The  Programme. 
— The  Collation. — Description  of  the  Frontispiece. — Letters  of  Regret. 

Address  of  Welcome,  by  Rev.  Dr.  T.  C.  Easton.  [Dr.  Mabon's  prayer.] 
— Object  of  the  gathering. — Welcome  from  the  churches  of  New  Brunswick. — 
Statistics  of  the  denomination. — Orthodoxy  of  the  Reformed  Church. — Necessity 
of  reasserting  the  doctrines  of  the  Reformation. — Power  of  these  doctrines, — Rem- 
iniscences suggested  by  our  place  of  meeting. — Importance  of  not  simply  glorifying 
the  past. — Greater  achievements  necessary. — Enlarged  endowments  needed. — 
Follow  the  Standard  of  the  Cross,     pp.  5-9. 

Response  by  the  President  of  the  General  Synod,  Rev.  Dr.  David  Cole. 
Personal  responses  to  Dr.  Easton  and  his  church. — Exercises  of  the  Centennial. — 
Danger  of  unduly  magnifying  the  past. — Importance  of  remembering  Divine  Prov- 
idence.— Providence  in  Holland  ;  in  America. — Duty  of  more  intelligent  zeal  and 
activity. — What  has  been  accomplished  in  equipping  our  Institutions. — Necessity  of 
enlarged  endowments. — Duty  of  standing  by  the  old  doctrines. — Need  of  men  ;  of 
renewed  prayer  and  consecration,     pp.  13-20. 

Historical  Theology,  BY  Prof.  Samuel  M.  Woodbridge,  D.D.— Historical  The- 
ology, a  proper  theme  for  this  Centennial. — May  point  out  possible  dangers,  p.  23, 

Theology  is  Historical. — Importance  of  theology. — Definition  of  theology,  nega- 
tively and  positively. — Exegesis,  the  source  of  theology. — Duty  of  the  exegete 
to  behold  the  Glory  of  the  Lord  in  tlvJ  languages  of  inspiration,  in  the  words,  in  the 
imagery,  and  in  the  history. — The  Old  Testament  indorsed  by  Christ,    pp.  23-25. 

Theology  is  Systematic. — Theology  not  a  mausoleum,  but  a  temple  in  which  God  is 
enshrined;  in  which  he  is  to  be  studied  in  his  sovereignty,  attributes  and  mani- 
festations.— Every  doctrine  is  living  ;  connected  with  human  destinies;  capable  of 
stirring  the  soul. — Doctrines  the  rays  by  which  we  see  God  and  Christ  ;  the  living 
voices  of  God,     pp.  25,  26. 

Theology  is  Practical. — Divine  service  is  theological. — Worship  not  a  dead  formality, 
but  the  blossoming  of  doctrines  in  expressions  and  deeds.  The  abiding  spirit  the 
source  of  spiritual  vitality  in  pastor  and  people,     pp.  26,  27. 

The  Present  State  of  Th:ological  Education. — Opposition  of  the  world  to  Chris- 
tian doctrine  is  natural.  Does  the  pulpit  hold  fast  to  Christian  doctrine  ? — 
Speculation  and  testing  the  credibility  of  Revelation.  — Ethics  vs.  theology. — Duty 
of  ecclesiastical  supervision  over  Professors  of  Theology. — The  ministry  capable  of 
exercising  such  supervision. — Source  of  their  capacity. — Supervision  the  means  to 
curb  licentious  criticism. — Theology  the  most  important  study  ;  not  to  be  crowded 
out  for  subordinate  studies,  such  as  Apologetics. — The  Church  must  command  the 
teachers  what  to  teach,     pp.  27-31. 

History  of  Theological  Doctrine  :  its  great  Importance.  31-40.  History  of 
Doctrine  the  chief  thing  in  Church  History. — History  of  Theology  and  Herme- 


viii  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

neutics  essential  to  a  well  educated  ministry.— Ministerial  education  not  personal, 
but  for  the  Church.— Must  study  Divine  Revelation  as  a  Creation  ;  the  History  of 
Doctrine,  as  a  Providence. — The  development  of  doctrine  is  the  appropriation  of 
Theology  by  fallen  and  redeemed  humanity. — Difference  between  doctrines  re- 
ceived by  an  individual  soul,  and  by  the  whole  Church,  throughout  the  ages.— The- 
ology the  central  thing  of  Church  History.— The  introduction  of  the  doctrines  of 
God  into  humanity,  as  a  dominating  power,  is  the  Battle  of  the  Ages. — Mere  secu- 
lar history  insignificant. — Doctrines  are  the  thoughts  of  God,  clothed  in  lan- 
guage, taking  possession  of  the  world. — The  soul  is  awakened  for  the  first  when 
these  doctrines  of  God  find  access  to  it. — This  awakening  introduces  a  man  into  the 
society  of  the  ages. — The  present  generation  a  stagnant  pool  unless  connected  with 
all  the  past  and  all  the  future — Necessity  of  the  historic  spirit. — Importance  of 
correct  views  of  Theological  Truth,  to  prevent  speculation. — Church  History  the 
memory  of  the  Church  about  the  Thoughts  of  God. — All  history  is  imperfect,  but 
this  guiding  clew  shows  the  Unity  of  Life. 
The  Theology  of  the  Bible,  or  the  Thoughts  of  God,  in  their  self- witnessing  power, 
vs.  Christian  History,  or  the  Dogmas  of  men.  The  Divine  doctrines  immutable ; 
the  Church,  in  the  midst  of  the  world,  the  recipient  of  these  doctrines,  and  their 
exponent,  pp.  31-34. — Hence  the  importance  of  the  History  of  Doctrine  for  the 
ministry,  for  the  following  reasons : — 

1.  To  be  able  to  appreciate  the  Divine  Doctritie.— The  Reformation  nothing  unless 
the  Divine  doctrine  of  Justification  by  Faith  had  shone  out  more  brightly. — The 
heroes  of  Church  History  intended  to  stimulate  our  zeal. — This  Centennial, 
with  its  connections  in  Holland,  emphasizes  doctrine. — What  then  the  effect  of  a 
just  apprehension  of  the  whole  Catholic  history. — The  true  use  of  history  to  mag- 
nify Divine  doctrines  and  institutions. — The  increased  value  of  doctrines  and 
institutions  baptized  in  blood. — (i)  The  Bible  a  wonder  as  a  Revelation,  but  the 
history  of  its  transmission  to  us  gives  it  additional  interest. — (2)  A  new  glory  envel- 
ops the  Lord's  Supper,  when  we  remember  its  observance  through  the  ages,  by  all 
classes,  and  under  most  diverse  circumstances. — (3)  The  doctrine  of  the  Deity  of 
Christ  an  inestimable  treasure  preserved  to  us  through  severest  conflicts,  pp.  34-37- 
All  the  battles  of  the  Church  are  only  the  thoughts  of  man  against  the  Thoughts  of 
God. — The  Idealism  of  Germany  is  only  the  old  Heathen  Mysticism  in  more  mod- 
ern form. — True  doctrines  may  be  presented  in  a  form  to  deceive,  as  the  ex- 
clusive deification  of  Christ  to  the  loss  of  his  humanity ;  or  the  mere  humanity  of 
Christ  to  the  loss  of  his  divine  majesty. — Not  one  doctrine  can  be  disturbed  without 
marring  the  divine  symmetry. — The  displacement  from  its  true  position  of  the  doc- 
trine of  "the  righteousness  of  life"  gave  rise  to  Romanism. — Importance  of  watch- 
fulness, pp.  37,  38. 

2.  History  of  Doctrine  necessary  for  the  proper  understanding  of  doctrine. — The 
thoughts  of  God  so  vast  that  centuries  are   required  to  unfold  them,  e.  g.    the 

,  brotherhood  of  the  race,  as  set  forth  by  language,  by  example,  by  symbol. 
— Histories  of  Christian  charity. — Our  great  Christian  Libraries  are  only  efforts  to 
set  forth  the  human  understanding  of  the  Divine  Thoughts,  p.  38. 

^r History  of  Doctrine  necessary  for  the  vitalizing  of  doctrine. — If  doctrine  is  not 
practically  vital,  it  is  we  who  are  dead. — If  God's  Election  is  not  tons  what 
it  was  to  Paul,  it  is  because  we  have  ceased  to  value  our  redemption. — If  Justi- 
fication by  Faith  is  not  to  us  what  it  was  to  Luther,  it  is  not  that  the  facts   of 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  ix 

life  are  changed;  the  wrath  of  God  against  all  unrighteousness siiliconiinues. — It  is 
our  duly  to  vitalize  these  doctrines  ;  each  truth  is  of  present  interest. — Especially 
must  the  doctrines  live  in  the  soul  of  the  preacher. — The  power  of  the  doctrine  of 
Divine  Grace  in  Augustine.- -The  influence  of  its  history  in  martyrs. — Its  clear 
voice  at  the  Synod  of  Dort — It  was  echoed  by  Whitefield  and  Wesley.  — The 
preaching  of  it  far  superior  to  Apologetics,  pp.  38,  39. 

4.  The  Sltidy  of  Doctrinal  History  essential  in  the  defense  of  doctrine. — Our 
Apologetics  are  in  the  doctrines  themselves,  and  not  in  the  disputations  of  men. — 
Religion  stands  not  by  the  wisdom  of  men  but  by  the  power  of  God. — True 
religion  needs  not  logic. — Christ  appealed  only  to  the  Word  of  God. — The  power 
of  the  Church  is  in  the  Doclrines  living  in  the  experience,  and  coming  forth  in  the 
life,— The  Apologetic  power  of  Augustine's  "City  of  God,"  and  Edwards'  "  His- 
tory of  Redemption." — The  proof  of  Christ's  resurrection  in  the  perpetuity  and 
growth  of  the  Church. — The  proofs  of  God's  election  in  the  triumphs  of  the  godly 
in  the  dark  ages. — A  Christian  doctrine  exists  against  every  error,  pp.  39,  49.  Are 
Professorships  of  Apologetics  justifiable?  Five  reasons  against  them. — Feebleness 
of  Reason  compared  with  Revelation. — Why  Biblical  language  is  not  scientific. — 
Feebleness  of  Reason  compared  with  Faith. — Theology  the  true  subject  of  study.— 
Professorships  of  Christology,  including  Typology  ;  of  Soteriology ;  of  Eschat- 
ology,  including  P.^ychology  and  Prophecy,  preferable  to  one  of  Apologetics  — 
Religion  is  of  the  heart  rather  than  of  the  intellect,  pp.  40-42. 

Apostasies  begin  by  neglecting  the  doctrines  of  faith  ;  by  forgetting  the  real  treasure 
committed  to  the  Church. — The  great  ignorance  of  many  Christians. — Its  evil  in- 
fluences.— The  sublimer  thoughts  of  Scripture  should  be  preached  to  the  people. — 
History  sounds  the  alarm  that  Apostasy  follows  the  track  of  Christianity. — The 
Seven  Churches.— The  Greek  Church.— The  Latin  Cnurch.— Shall  it  follow  Pro- 
testantism ?  Apostasy  in  Germany,  pp.  42,  43.  Yet  divine  doctrines  do  not  rest  on 
men. — But  should  not  the  American  Church  take  warning  ?--The  Church  need 
not  fear  secular  powers. —  Her  dangers  always  come  from  within. — Her  strength  is 
in  holding  fast  to  a  sound  theology  with  mind  and  heart,  pp.  43,  44. 

The   Ideal   Seminary,  a    School   of  the  Prophets   of  God.     p.  44. 

Historical  Discourses  by  Prof.  David  D.  Demarest.  'D.'D.— Chapter  I.— 
Preliminary  History,  1628-1747.  [Dr.  F.  M.  Kip's  prayer]  ;  Prefatory 
JVi>/<f,  48;  Note  I,  287.— Care  of  the  Dutch  colonists  for  religion,  49.— Their 
churches  supplied  with  ministers  from  Holland,  50.  —Ideas  of  ministerial  qualifica- 
tions, 51,52. — Increasing  necessities  of  the  churches,  52.— Difficulty  of  obtaining 
ministers,  52,  53.— An  Educational  Institution  deemed  essential,  53,;  Note  2,  288  ; 
Note  3,  288-295.— Ordinations  in  special  cases,  54;  Note:^,  295,  297  ;  Note  5,  297, 
298. 

Chapter  //.—Proposed  Methods,  1747-1784.  Coetus  established,  55 ;  AWf  6, 
298.  Examinations  by  the  Coetus  permitted,  55,  56;  forbidden,  57.— Coe- 
tus seeks  to  become  a  Classis,  57,  58;  Note  7,  300, — Ministers  withdraw  from  the 
Coetus,  58.— Coetus  and  Conferentie  controversy,  59.— The  Professorship  of  Di- 
vinity in  Kings  College,  61-69;  ^o^'  8,  303;  Note  9,  304;  Note  10,  embracing 
fifteen  heads,  308-331.— Frelinghuysen's  eff"ort,  69  ;  Note  li,  331.— The  first  char- 
ter of  Queens  College,  70,  71 ;  Note  12,  332.— Proposed  union  with  Princeton 
College,  71-76;  Note  13,  334  ;  Note  14,  336  ;  Note  15,  337.— Second  Charter  of 
Queens  College,  76,  77  ;  Note  16,  340;  Note  17,  342.— Articles  of  Union  between 


X  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

the  Coetus  and  Conferentie,  78-80;  Note  18,  342.— Efforts  of  the  Trustees  and 
Synod,  80-82  ;  Note  19,  345  ;  Note  20,  346;  Note  21,  348  ;  Note  22,  349.— Action 
postponed,  82  ;  Note  23,  350.— Drs.  Livingston  and  Meyer  elected,  83  ;  Note  24, 

352. 
Chapter  IJ/.—lii^  School  Previous  to  its  Removal  to  New  Brunswick, 
1784-1810.  Dr.  Livingston  begins  his  work,  83,  84.— Dr.  Meyer  made  Lector, 
84;  Note  ^^,  418.— The  Trustees  of  Queens  College  propose  co-operation  with 
the  Synod,  84,  85.— Drs.  Froeligh  and  Romeyn  appointed  Lectors,  85;  Note 
26,  355.— Dr.  Livingston  removes  to  Flatbush,  85,  86;  Note  27,  359. — Drs.  Froe- 
ligh and  Romeyn  made  Professors,  86 ;  ]Slote  48,  420,  424.— Dr.  Livingston  re- 
moves back  to  New  York,  86,  87.— Former  policy  re  affirmed,  87,  88 ;  Note  27, 

359. The  Collegiate  Church  Consistory  elects  Dr.  Livingston  Professor  in  Col 

umbia  College,  88,  89;  Note  28,  362.— General  Synod  elects  Dr.  Livingston  to  be 
their  Permanent  Professor,  89.— Professors  Bassett  and  J.  Romeyn  elected,  89 ; 
Note  48,  427. — Plan  for  revival  of  Queens  College,  and  of  connecting  the  Pro- 
fessorate therewith,  89;  Note  29,  363. 
Chapter  IV.  From  the  Removal  of  the  School  to  New  Brunswick  to 
the  death  of  Dr.  Livingston,  1810-1825.  Dr.  Livingston  removes  to  New 
Brunswick,  92-94;  Note  25, 354. — The  Van  Bunschooten  bequest,  94;  Note  30,  367; 
Note  31,  370.— Sketch  of  Ellas  Van  Bunschooten,  94 ;  Note  32, 371. — Dr.  Living- 
ston makes  his  first  official  report  as  Prof,  at  New  Brunswick,  94,95;  Note  ^Z^ 
373. —  Plan  of  Theological  School  adopted,  95;  Note  49. — Rev.  J.  M.  Van  Har- 
lingen  elected  Professor,  95  — His  death,  95 ;  Note  48,  429. — Removal  of  the 
School  proposed,  94,  98. — Dr.  Schureman  elected  Professor,  96. — Plan  of  a  Theo- 
logical College,  98.— Exercises  of  the  College  suspended,  99.— Question  of  re- 
moval of  the  Theological  School  Settled,  99,  loo.— Death  of  Prof.  Schureman,  loo; 
Note  48,  431.— Dr.  John  Ludlow  elected  Professor,  10 1. — The  College  property 
bought  by  General  Synod,  loi. — Second  Professorship  endowed,  101-103. — Dr. 
•  Ludlow's  resignation,  103. — Dr.  John  De  Witt's  election,  103. — Third  Professor- 
ship endowed,  103,  104;  Note  i\,  376. — Prof.  Livingston's  death,  104-109. — 
Honor  due  his  memory,  105-109. — Sketch  of ;  Note  i,%,  ii,\(i. 
Chapter  V.  From  the  Death  of  Dr.  Livingston  to  the  Establishment  of 
THE  Fourth  Professorship,  1825-1865.  Dr.  John  De  Witt  (Sr.)  sole  Profes- 
sor, no. — Drs.  Milledoler  and  Woodhull  elected,  no,  in. — Revival  of  the  Col- 
lege, Iii-n3;  Note  29,  365;  Note  35,  378.— Death  of  Prof.  Woodhull,  113; 
Note  48,  436.— Dr.  Cannon  elected,  113. — Aid  from  the  Collegiate  Church,  113, 
n4.— Death  of  Prof.  De  Witt,  114;  Note  48,  433.— Dr.  McClelland  elected,  n4. 
— Services  of  the  Theological  Professors  in  the  College,  114,  115. — Interest  in 
Missions,  115-I17;  Note  36,  379. — Prof.  McClelland's  sermon,  117. — Endow- 
ment increased,  118;  Note  37,  380. — Revival  of  1836-7,  119. — Modification  of 
the  Covenant,  between  the  Synod  and  the  College,  119-123;  Note  29,365. — 
Hon.  A.  B.  Hasbrouck  elected  President  of  the  College,  123;  Note  2^, -^66. — 
Resignation  of  Prof.  Milledoler,  123,  124;  Note  48,  438. — Election  of  Dr.  Van 
Vranken,  124.— Resignation  of  Prof.  McClelland,  125,  449.— Election  of  Dr. 
Campbell,  125. — Resignation  and  death  of  Prof.  Cannon,  125,  126;  iW^'48,  442. — 
Election  of  Dr.  Ludlow,  126. — Erection  of  Peter  Hertzog  Theological  Hall,  126- 
128;  Note  38,  381  ;  Note,  39,382. — Death  of  Prof.  Ludlow,  128;  Note  48,  447. 
— Election  of  Dr.  Woodbridge,  128. — Death  of  "^rof.  Van  Vranken,  129;  Note^2>, 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xi 

444. — Election  of  Dr.  Berg,  129. — Resignation  of  Prof.  Campbell,  129. — Election 
of  Be.  De  Witt,  129. — College  property  sold  by  the  Synod  to  the  Trustees, 
129,  130  ;  No/e  40,  384. 

Chapter  VI.  From  the  Establishment  of  the  Fourth  Professorship  to  the 
PRESENT  TIME,  1865-1884.  Movement  for  the  Fourth  Professorship,  131,  132. — 
Dr.  Smith's  subscription,  131,  132. — Fourth  Professorship  established,  132. — Dr. 
Demarest  elected,  132.  Failure  of  Dr.  Smith,  132,  133. — Work  of  Dr.  James  A. 
H.Cornell  as  Financial  AgenI,  133-140;  l^oie  i,\,  385;  iV'i?/^' 44,  388 ;  'Note  \'-^, 
399. — Work  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Seminary  property,  134,  135. — Sub- 
scriptions for  the  Library,  135,  136;  Note  42,385;  Note  43.387-403- — Contri- 
butions of  Messrs.  Suydam  and  Sage,  136,  137. — James  Suydam  Hall,  137;  Note 
44,  388. — Gardner  A.  Sage  Library,  138;  Note  45,390-399;  Note  46,  404. — 
The  Suydam  Statue  140.  Death  of  Prof.  Berg,  140,  453. — Dr.  Van  Zandt 
elected,  141. — The  Vedder  Lectureship,  141  ;  Note  47,  410. — Death  of  Prof.  Van 
Zandt,  142;  iW^48,  456. — Dr.  Mabon  elected,  143. — Illness  of  Prof.  Woodbridge, 
143. — Office  of  Dean  created,  143. — The  New  Curriculum  of  study,  144;  Note  49. 
— Fifth  Professorship  founded,  144. — Rev.  John  G.  Lansing  elected,  144. — Con- 
clusion, 144. — List  of  Professors;  Note  6,%,  414. 

Relation  of  the  Theological  Seminary  to  Rutgers  Collegf,  By  Dr.  Wm. 
H.  Campbell.  [Rev.  Wm.  Brush's  prayer. — Remarks  by  Rev.  Dr.  T.  E.  Ver- 
milye]. — Necessity  of  a  Christian  Institution  of  learning  felt  by  the  Fathers. — The 
Literary  education  of  students  for  all  professions  to  be  pursued  under  the  same 
Christian  influences,  until  special  professional  studies  were  begun. — Theological 
Professors  therefore  took  part  in  College  Departments.  — Development  of  the  plan 
into  two  Institutions,  yet  one  in  spirit :  the  College  trains  the  sons  of  the  Church, 
many  of  whom  become  ministers  of  the  Gospel. — Gratitude  for  such  Fathers. — 
Our  present  duty  toward  these  Institutions:  Prayer — Labor — Consecration  and 
Education  of  our  children — their  full  endowment,  pp.  155-157. 

Influence  of  the  Seminary  on  the  Denominational  Life,  by  Dr.  W. 
J.  R.  Taylor. — The  Denominational  Life  of  a  Churrh  is  its  own  proper  Home 
Life. — The  Reformed  Dutch  Church  has  such  a  separate  life.— Consists  of 
Dutch,  Huguenot   and   other  elements,  now  fused  into   an  American  Church 

Life,  p.  161 I.  What  has  been  the  influence  of  the  Seminary  on  the   Lite  of 

the  Church  during  the  past  century?— i.  The  Seminary  is  an  Indicator  of  the 
Life  of  the  Church.— It  registers  the  fidelity,  temperature,  consecration,  zeal. 
162—2.  It  has  an  Organic  Relation  to  the  Life  of  the  Church. — It  is  a  vital 
organ.  Hence  the  Seminary  was  founded.  It  gave  new  vitality.  It  has  given 
an  orthodox  ministry  to  the  Church.  It  has  held  the  Fort  It  has  produced 
exegetes,  critics,  translators.  It  has  furnished  Professors  toother  institutions. 
It  has  produced  pioneer  and  other  Missionaries.  162,  163.— 3.  It  has  been  the 
Source  of  Genuine  Home  Feeling  in  the  Church.— This  Feeling  is  partly  an- 
cestral, but  also  the  result  of  training  and  covenant  blessings.  Not  unfriendly 
to  other  Communions.  Half  our  Ministry  and  membership  from  other 
Churches.  This  mingling  creates  new  centres  of  influences.  All  the  Professors 
have  shown  this  Home  Feeling,  163,  164.— 4-  The  Seminary  has  developed  and 
stimulated  the  Spiritual  Life  of  the  Church.— It  is  the  Child  of  the  Church,  and 
has  had  the  prayers  of  the  Churc'.i.  Its  equipment  is  the  gift  of  all  classes.  Its 
graduates  have  been  shining  examples  of  ministerial  character  and  service,     its 


_s;ii  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL, 

Theology  is  the  food  of  Christian  life.  It  provides  for  progress  in  its  methods, 
and  for  the  largest  results  of  Criticism.  Its  Standards, gleaming  in  the  sunlight 
of  the  Word,  will  not  be  lowered  to  a  "  New  Theology."  It  is  the  enemy  of 
Rationalism,  and  of  an  ephemeral  Zeit  Geist.  Yet  we  believe  in  learning  and 
science,  and  in  advancement  in  theological  and  Biblical  culture,  164-166. — II. 
What  shall  the  Seminary's  Influence  be  in  the  coming  century  ? — That  depends 
on  the  fidelity  of  the  Seminary  and  of  the  Church  to  the  Faith,  and  upon  their 
spiritual  life.  A  few  classes  of  infected  graduates  could  spread  a  plague. 
Must  cope  with  the  enemy  in  Biblical  learning  and  argument.  The  hope  of 
Evangelical  Christendom  is  in  its  Theological  Seminaries.  The  tendency  of 
Rationalism  is  to  materialism.  Unbelief  and  Supernatural  Religion  are  as  wide 
apart  as  Strauss'  awful  vision  of  a  wrecked  Universe,  and  Ezekiel's  vision  of 
the  Divme  Majesty  and  Government.  The  Seminary  must  keep  up  with  the 
progress  of  sacred  learning,  and  correct  any  errors  in  its  administration  or 
tuition.  But  the  Church  needs  preachers  more  than  scholars.  Her  conserva- 
tivism  indicates  her  mission  as  an  abiding  Church.  The  Evangelical  Churches, 
organized  and  united,  are  moving  for  the  conquest  of  the  World.  The  interest 
at  the  Jubilee  of  Berne  ;  so  the  whole  Church  should  be  interested  in  this  Cen- 
tennial, and  take  the  College  and  Seminary  to  its  heart,  166-16S. 

Theological  Instruction  in  the  West,  by  Rev.  Dr.  C.  E.  Crispell. — 
Origin  of  the  desire  foi  theological  education  in  the  West.  Necessities  of  the 
West.  Recent  pilgrims  from  Holland.  Their  desire  to  train  up  ministers.  Their 
request  to  our  Church.  Proposals  to  plant  churches  in  the  West.  The  Academy 
at  Holland,  Mich.  Request  to  establish  a  Theological  Professorship  of  Missionary 
Training  in  Holland,  Mich.  Necessity  felt  for  a  College  and  Seminary  among  the 
Hollanders  in  the  West.— Hope  College  founded  in  1862.  Elementary  theolog- 
ical instruction  begun  in  1866.  A  Theological  School  organized,  and  Dr. 
Crispell  appointed  Professor  of  Theology  in  1867. — History  of  this  Institution — 
where  found.  The  Theological  Department  suspended  for  lack  of  funds.  Resig- 
nation of  the  Professor.  Results  of  the  School. — Restoration  of  the  Theological 
Department  in  1884.  Rev.  M.  N.  Steffens  appointed  Professor.— Brief  history 
of  the  Hope  Seminary,  178-180. 

Letters  of  Congratulation  from  Universities  in  the  Netherlands 
AND  FROM  American  Theological  Seminaries.  [Prayer  by  Rev.  Elbert 
Nevius  ] — I.  From  Prof.  Nicholas  Beets,  D.D.,  of  the  University  of  Utrecht, 
185. — 2.  PYom   the    Theological  Faculty  of  the  University  of  Utrecht,  187. — 

3.  From  the  Theological  J'aculty  of  the  Free  University  of  Amsterdam,    188. — 

4.  From  the  Faculty  of  the  Theological  School  at  Kampen,  189. — 5.  Frsm 
Rev.  N.  M.  Steffens,  Prof.  Elect,  in  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Ref.  Ch. 
at  Holland,  Mich.,  196. — 6.  From  the  Faculty  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at 
Andover,  Mass.:  Congregational,  197. — 7.  From  the  Faculty  of  Lane  Sem- 
inary, Cincinnati,  Ohio  :  Presbt.,  198. — 8.  From  the  P^aculty  of  the  General 
Seminary  in  the  City  of  New  York :  Episcopal,  199.  -9.  From  the  F'aculty  of 
Union  Theological  Seminary,  Hamden  Sidney,  Va.:  Presbt.,  199.  — 10.  From 
the  Faculty  of  Bangor  Theological  Seminary,  Bangor,  Maine:  Cong.,  200. — 
II.  From  the  Faculty  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  Columbia,  S.  C:  Presbt., 
201.— 12.  From  the  Faculty  of  the  Divinity  School  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Ch.,  Phila- 
delphia, 202.  — 13.  From  the  Faculty  of  the  Episcopal  Theological  School,  Cam- 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xiii 

bridge,  Mass.,  202.-  14.  From  the  Faculty  of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  Gettysburg,  Pa.,  203. 

Addresses  OF  Congratulation  uy  Delegates  from  American  Theological 
Seminaries.  Remarks  by  the  Chairman,  Rev.  Joachim  Elmendorf,  D.D. — 
I.  By  Prof.  W.  Henry  Green,  D.I).,  LL.D.,  of  Princeton  Seminary:  Presby- 
terian, 207. — 2.  By  Prof.  Wm.  Thompson,  D.D.,  of  Hartford  Seminary  :  Con- 
gregational, 212.— 3.  By  Prof.  Howard  Osgood,  D.D.,of  Rochester,  N.  Y. : 
Baptist,  214.— 4.  By  Prof.  E.  V.  Gerhart,  D.D.,  of  Lancaster.  Pa.:  Reformed 
(German)  Church,  216. — 5.  By  Prof.  Samuel  M.  Hopkins,  D.D. ,  of  Auburn 
Seminary,  N.  Y.:  Presbyterian,  219.— 6.  By  Prof.  Charles  E.  Knox,  D.D.,  of 
Bloomfield.N.  J.:  Ger.  Presbyterian,  221.— 7.  By  Prof.  Henry  A.  Buttz,  D.D.,of 
Drew  Seminary,  Madison,  N.J. :  Methodist,  224.-8.  By  Prof.  George  L.  Pren- 
tiss, D.D.,  of  Union  Theological  Seminary,  New  York  City:  Presbyterian,  226. 
—9.  By  Prof.  George  E.  Day,  D  D.,  of  the  Divinity  School  of  Yale  College,  New 
Haven,  Ct.  :  Congregational,  229. 

Salutations  of  Rutgers  College.  Remarks  by  the  Chairman,  Rev.  Joachim 
Elmendorf,  D.D.  i.  Poem  by  Mrs.  Merrill  E.Gates:  "Separated  unto  the 
Gospel  of  God,"  235,-2.  Address  by  President  Merrill  Edwards  Gates,  LL.  D., 
237. — 3.  Address  by  Prof.  T.  Sandford  Doolittle,  D.D.,  representing  the 
Faculty,     41. 

Salutation  of  the  Collegiate  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  New  York  City. 
Address  by  Elder  A.  V.  W.  Van  Vechten,  Esq.,  249. 

Salutation  of  Hope  College,  Holland,  Michigan,    Address  by  Prof.  Charles 

Scott,  D.D,,  Acting  President,  250, 
Report  of  the  Committee  on  Endowment.    [Prayer  by  Rev.  Cornelius  Brett], 

257. — I.  Report,  259. — 2,  Address  by  Rev.  Mancius  H.  Hutton,  D.D.,  in  behalf 

of  the  Committee,  261. 

The  Ministry  of  the  Past  and  the  Future.  Address  by  Rev.  Francis  N. 
Zabriskie,  D.D.,  representing  the  Alumni  of  the  Seminary,  263. — Salutations  of 
the  Alumni.  —  Our  object  is  to  revive  memories  of  our  early  training. — Our  minis- 
terial life  has  been  a  Seminary  of  wider  scope.  The  Seminary  training,  vs.  the 
Life-School  training,  pp.  263-265. — I.  What  may  the  Alumni  of  to-day  learn  from 
the  Ministry  of  a  century  ago  .'' — The  sacredness  and  dignity  of  their  calling. 
The  educational  influence  of  their  ministry.  The  Shepherd  and  Bishop  influence 
which  they  possessed.  Their  dignity  in  the  pulpit,  and  out  of  it, — The  danger  of 
too  free  companionship. — The  clerical  and  pastoral  consciousness,  pp.  266-268. 
II.  What  of  the  Ministry  of  the  future  ? — Why  the  Centennial  turns  us  to  the 
past. — The  responsibility  of  training  schools  of  the  Ministry. — The  character  of  the 
Ministry,  the  key  to  the  character  of  the  country. — Importance  of  large  and  lofty 
Ideals  of  our  Seminary,  pp.  268,  269. — The  Minibtry  of  to-day  has  more  of  the 
Evangelistic  spirit  than  that  of  the  past;  but  the  coming  Ministry  must  surpass  that 
of  the  present.  They  must  be  men  of  the  Times. — The  danger  of  scholastic  study. 
The  importance  of  training  in  matters  of  living,  practical,  immediate  interest, 
pp.  270-271. — The  Ministry  of  the  future  must  be  a  highly  educated  Ministry.— 
This  implies  not  only  possession  of  knowledge,  but  aptness  to  teach. — A  Chair, 
to  present  Jesus  as  the  Normal  Teacher,  pp.  271-272. — The  character  of  the  age 
in  which    we    live.     Its  type,    the    Newspaper. — The    preaching    of   the    future 


xiv  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

should  be  journalistic — a  thing  of  the  day. — Bible  sermons  were  of  that  day,  pp. 
273-274. — The  Ministry  of  the  future  must  be  a  sanctified  Ministry — They  must  be 
men  of  deep  convictions  ;  only  such  can  persuade  others. — It  should  not  be  apolo- 
getic.— Meaning  of  a  sanctified  Ministry,  pp.  274-277. — The  vast  and  solemn  res- 
ponsibility of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  future. — Methods  of  work  need  to 
be  modified  with  the  changing  conditions  of  life  and  thought,  pp.  277-278. 

APPENDIX. 

^ote  I.  On  the  proper  division  of  the  so  called  first  volume  of  Minutes  of  Gen.  Synod, 
287.^ — T^ote  2.   Constitutional  Qualifications  for  entering  the  Ministry,  2S8. — Note 

3.  History  of  the  Constitutional  Legislation  of  the  Reformed  Church  concerning 
Professors  of  Theology  :  (i)  In  Holland,  288,  289  ;  (2)  In  America:  Articles  of 
Union,  289,  290;  the  Constitutional  Legislation  in  America  in  1792,  1833  and 
1874  compared,  290-295. — Isote  4.  The  early  ordinations,  295-7. --^(?/f  5- 
Students  who  went  from  America  to  be  ordained  in  Holland;  students  ordained 
by  the  Coetus  ;  by  the  American  Classis;  by  the  Conferentie;  by  the  General 
Meeting,  297  8. 

"Note  6.  Fundamental  Articles  of  the  Coetus,  298. — }sote  7.  Organization  of  a 
Classis,  300 ;  letter  of  the  Church  of  New  York  in  opposition  to  the  same, 
302. — Isote  8.  Instructions  to  Gov.  Sloughter,  303. — l^ote  9.  The  Ministry  Act, 
304;  letter  of  Agent  Weaver,  307;  letter  of  Selyns,  307. 

'Note  10.  Documents  relating  to  the  Dutch  Professorships  in  Kings  (Columbia)  Col- 
lege :  I,  First  offer  of  Trinity  Church  to  give  land  for  a  College,  1752,  308. — 
2.  Second  offer,  1754,  308. — 3.  Petition  to  the  Governor  and  Council  for  a  Col- 
lege Charter  by  the  Trustees  having  charge  of  funds  raised  for  education,  309. — 

4.  Report  of  Committee  of  Council  thereon,  310. — 5.  Order  by  the  Governor, 
311, — 6.  Protest  of  the  minority  of  said  Committee,  312. — 7.  Petition  to  the  As- 
sembly by  the  Collegiate  Church  of  New  York  City  for  a  Professorship  of  Divin- 
ity in  Kings  College,  315. — 8.  Report  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Funds,  316. — 9.  Min- 
ority Report  of  Wm.  Livingston,  with  Livingston's  Twenty  Unanswerable  Rea- 
sons, 316. — 10.  Livingston's  Bill  for  a  College,  by  Act  of  Assembly  [and  not  by 
Royal  Charter],  319. —  il.  Letter  of  Rev.  Henry  Barclay  to  Rev.  Samuel  John- 
son concerning  these  matters,  322. — 12.  Petition  of  Domine  Ritzema  to  the 
Governor  and  Council  for  an  Additional  Charter  for  a  Dutch  Professor  of  Divin- 
ity in  Kings  College,  with  Report  on  said  Petition,  323. —13.  Action  on  said 
Petition,  325. — 14.  Petition  of  the  Governors  [of  Kings  College,]  to  the  As- 
sembly for  the  moneys  raised  by  lottery  for  a  College,  1755,  326. — 15.  The 
Church  of  New  York  and  Ritzema:  complaint  of  the  Church;  reply  of  Rit- 
zema, 328. 

Note.  II.  Frelinghuysen's  Commission,  331. —  Note  12.  Call  for  a  meeting  of  Trus- 
tees of  Queens  College,  1767,  332. — Note  13.  Extract  from  a  letter  of  theClassis 
of  Amsterdam  (1768)  to  both  the  Coetus  and  Conferentie,  advising  Union  with 
Princeton,  334. — Note  14.  Extract  from  a  letter  of  Coetus  to  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam, 1768,  336. — Note  15.  Extract  of  a  letter  of  Conferentie  to  Classis  of  Am- 
sterdam, 1768,  337. —  Note  16.  Remarks  of  Domine  Marinuson  the  circumstances 
of  the  times,  340. — Note  17.  Names  o/''Trustees  of  Queens  College  second  Char- 
ter, 1770,  342.— AWf  18.  Letter  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  (1772)  approving 
the  Plan  of  Union,  and  granting   semi-independence  to  the  American  Dutcn 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xv 

Church,  342. — Note  19.  Action  of  the  General  Meeting  (1773)  on  the  Professor- 
ate, 345. — Note  20.  Letter  of  the  General  Meeting  {1773)  to  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  346. — Note  21.  Letter  of  the  Classis  to  the  General  Meeting,  (1774,1 
348. — Note  22.  Letter  of  Professor  Bonnet  of  Utrecht  University,  to  R.  A.  Ten 
Brink,  Pres.  of  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  349. — Nofe  23.  Letters  of  the  Trustees  of 
Queens  College  to  the  General  Meeting  (May,  1784)  concerning  the  Professor- 
ate, 350. — Note  24.  Election  of  the  first  Professors  by  the  General  Meeting 
(Oct.,  1784)  which  now  also  assumes  the  name  o(  Synod,  352. 

Note  25.  Election  of  Dr  Livingston  as  President  of  Queens  College  and  Professor 
of  Theology  therein,  1785,354. — Note  26.  General  Synod  requests  the  removal 
of  Queens  College  to  northern  New  Jersey,  1794,  355  ;  answer  of  the  Trustees, 
2,<)?>.--Nute  27.  Letter  of  Prof.  Livingston  to  the  Particular  Synod,  1796,  359. — 
Nofe  28.  Election  of  Dr.  Livingston  as  Prof,  of  Divinity  in  Columbia  College,  by 
the  Collegiate  Church  ofNevv  York,  1S03,  362.--^Vi:'/c  29.  History  of  the  Cov- 
enants between  the  College  and  the  Seminary  :  the  Covenant  ot  1807,  363  ;  the 
Covenant  of  1825,  365  ;  the  Covenant  of  1839.  365;  the  Covenant  of  1840,  366. 

Note  ^o.  Dr.  Livingston's  letter  to  Rev.  Elias  Van  Bunschooten,  1810,  367. — Note 
31.  The  Van  Bunschooten  Bequest,  i8r4,  370.  Note  32.  Sketch  of  Rev.  Elias 
Van  Bunschooten,  371. — Note  33.  First  oiiicial  report  of  Prof.  Livingston  at 
New  Brunswick,  1812,  373. — Note  34.  Biographical  sketches  of  early  benefac- 
tors of  the  Institutions  :  Abraham  Van  Nest,  376;  Isaac  Heyer,  377;  Jacob 
R.  Ilardenbergh,  377  ;  Christian  Miller,  378;  Abraham  Van  Dyck.  378. 

Note  2,^.  Sketch  of  Col.  Henry  Rutgers,  ^jS.  —  Note  36.  List  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sionaries, graduates  of  the  Seminary,  379.  —  Note  37.  Sketch  of  the  Hon. 
Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  380.  —  .VcV  38.  Sketch  of  Mrs.  Anna  Hertzog,  381. — 
Note  39.  Sketches  of  the  Donors  of  the  Seminary  site  :  Col.  James  Neilson, 
382;  Charles  P.  Dayton,  383  ;  David  Bishop,  383  ;  the  Messrs.  Francis  and 
Wessel  Wessels,  383. — Note  40.  Re-transfer  of  the  College  Property  to  the 
Trustees  by  the  Synod,  384. — Note  41.  Moneys  secured  by  Rev.  Dr.  Cornell  for 
Library,  385. — Note  42.  Donation  of  Dr.  Bethune's  Library,  385. — Note  43. 
Report  of  Committee  on  Selection  of  Books,  387, — A^ote  44.  The  James  Suydam 
Hall,  388;  the  Gardner  A.  Sage  Library,  389. — A^oie  45.  Sketch  of  James  Suy- 
dam, 390;  of  Gardner  A.  Sage,  399;  some  Prominent  Works  in  the  Sage 
Library,  402. — Note  46.  History  of  Buildings  and  Endowments :  the  Build- 
ings, 404  ;  Funds  for  Maintenance  of  Buildings  and  Grounds,  4^4 ;  the  Per- 
manent Fund,  &c.,  405;  Educational  P'unds,  Scholarships,  etc.,  406. — Note  ^j. 
The  Vedder  Lectureship,  410  ;  Sketch  of  Nicholas  F.  Vedder,  413. 

Note  48  (i).  List  of  Professors,  Lectors,  etc,  414 — 2.  Sketches  of  the  Profes- 
sors: Rev.  Dr  Livingston,  416 ;  Rev.  Dr.  .Meyer,  418;  Rev.  Dr.  Froeligh, 
420;  Rev.  Dr.  T.  Romeyn,  424;  Rev.  Dr.  Bassett,  427  ;  Rev.  Dr.  J.  Romeyn, 
427;  Rev.  J.  M.  Van  Hariingen,  429  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Schureman,  431  ;  Rev.  Dr.  De 
Witt,  433;  Rev.  Dr.  Woodhull,  436;  Rev.  Dr.  Milledoler,  438;  Rev.  Dr.  Can- 
non, 442;  Rev.  Dr.  Van  Vranken,  444  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Ludlow,  447  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Mc- 
Clelland, 449;  Rev.  Dr.  Berg,  453;  Rev.  Dr.  Van  Zandt,456;  Rev.  Peter  Studdi- 
ford,  459;  Rev.  J.  S.  Mabon,  459;  Rev.  Dr.  Bethune,  461. 

Note.  49,  Regulations  respecting  studies,  462 ;  Plan  of  the  School,  464.— General 
Catalogue,  482, 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Page. 

1.  SYMBOLICAL  DEVICES Frontispiece. 

2.  THE    FIRST    REFORMED    CHURCH    OF    NEW  BRUNS- 

WICK       I 

3.  THE  BUILDINGS  AND  GROUNDS  OF  THE  THEOLOG- 

49 


ICAL  SEMINARY 

4.  PORTRAIT  OF  JOHN  H.  LIVINGSTON,  D.D. 

5.  PORTRAIT  OF  REV.  THOMAS  DE  WITT,  D.D. 

6.  PORTRAIT    OF    PHILIP    MILLEDOLER,    D.D. 

7.  PORTRAIT    OF    REV.    DAVID    ABEEL.  D.D. 

8.  PORTRAIT  OF  REV.  JAMES  S.  CANNON.  D.D. 


81 
113 
145 
209 
241 


9.  PORTRAIT  OF  REV.  GEORGE  W.  BETHUNE.  D.D.  .         .  273 


INTRODUCTION. 


THE  CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION. 


PRELIMINARY   ACTION. 

The  propriety  of  celebrating  the  One  Hundredth  Anniver- 
sary of  the  founding  of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the 
Reformed  Church  in  America,  was  first  suggested  by  the 
Committee  on  the  Professorate  in  its  report  to  the  General 
Synod  in  June,  1881,  in  the  following  words :  "The  Commit- 
tee think  that  it  would  be  well  for  this  Synod  to  take  action 
towards  a  becoming  Centenary  celebration  by  calling  to  mind 
the  self-denials,  the  labors,  the  prayers,  and  tears  with  which 
the  fathers  laid  the  foundation  of  our  school  of  the  Prophets, 
and  by  endeavoring  to  awaken  in  the  hearts  of  the  children  a 
similar  enthusiasm  and  spirit  of  liberality,  to  the  end  that  they 
may  worthily  carry  on  to  completion  the  work  which  by  the 
fathers  was  so  nobly  begun." 

In  June,  1882,  the  General  Synod  appointed  a  committee 
consisting  of  Rev.  Paul  D.  Van  Cleef,  D.D.,  Rev.  J.  Howard 
Suydam,  D.D.,  and  Rev.  David  N.  Vanderveer,  to  give  direc- 
tion to  the  foregoing  suggestion,  requesting  them  to  report  to 
the  next  General  Synod  *'  the  best  method  of  celebrating  the 
Centennial  anniversary,  whether  by  publications  or  oral 
services,  or  both  ;  and  that  they  specify  in  detail  what  time  or 
times  shall  be  set  apart  for  this  purpose ;  also  that  they  pre- 
pare a  full  programme  of  the  entire  proceedings,  suggesting 
the  topics  to  be  treated,  and  the  persons  to  whom  they  shall 
be  committed,  together  with  any  other  measures  which  may 
seem  to  them  conducive  to  the  end  in  view." 

This  committee  reported  to  the  General  Synod  in  June,  1883, 
recommending  that  the  Centennial  celebration  should  be  held  in 
the  city  of  New  Brunswick,  in  the  month  of  October,  1 884  ;  that 
the    services  should   consist  of  oral  addresses  and  papers,  by 


xviii  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

Professors  in  our  own  Seminary,  and  other  ministers,  and,  if 
possible,  by  Professors  representing  some  of  the  universities 
of  the  Netherlands  ;  and  that  a  number  of  the  principal  the- 
ological institutions  in  this  country  should  be  invited  to  par- 
ticipate in  the  exercises  of  the  occasion  by  personal  delegates, 
or  by  written  communications. 

The  report  was  accepted,  and  the  committee  was  empowered 
to  complete  the  necessary  arrangements,  and  to  make  a  final 
report  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  General  Synod. 

In  June,  1884,  a  full  programme  was  presented  by  the  com- 
mittee and  approved  by  the  General  Synod,  and  the  Synod's 
Treasurer  was  authorized  to  pay  all  necessary  expenses  con- 
nected with  the  celebration. 

Not  to  lose  sight  of  the  subject  of  "  Centennial  Endow- 
ment," upon  which  previous  action  had  been  taken  by  the 
General  Synod,  a  committee  consisting  of  Rev.  A.  P.  Van 
Gieson,  D.D.,  Rev.  M.  H.  Hutton,  D.D.,  and  Rev.  Selah  W. 
Strong,  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  plan  for  the  completion  of 
the  endowment  of  the  Seminary,  and  report  at  the  Centennial. 

The  Alumni  Association,  at  its  annual  meeting  in  June,  1884, 
nominated  Rev.  F.  N.  Zabriskie,  D.D.,  as  speakerto  represent 
the  Association,  and  also  appointed  Rev.  William  R.  Duryee, 
D.D.,  Rev.  M.  H.  Hutton,  D.D.,  and  Rev.  E.  T.  Corwin,  D.D., 
as  a  committee  of  co-operation. 

In  arranging  the  plan  for  a  celebration  of  so  much  import- 
ance, and  of  such  deep  interest  to  the  Church  at  large,  the 
Synod's  committee  felt  their  responsibility.  In  selecting 
speakers  their  greatest  embarrassment  arose  from  the  fact  that 
so  few  could  be  called  upon  from  the  large  number  of  scholars 
in  the  Reformed  Church  whose  learning  and  eloquence  would 
have  done  honor  to  the  occasion.  It  was  also  felt  to  be  of  the 
highest  importance  that  the  Centennial  of  the  Institution  that 
trains  the  ministry  should  tell  on  all  the  varied  interests  of  the 
Church  ;  that  wide  publicity  should  be  given  to  the  programme  ; 
that  as  many  as  possible  should  be  called  together  to  partici- 
pate in  the  exercises,  and  that  the  salutary  influence  of  an 
event  such  as  had  never  before  occurred  in  the  history  of  any 
theological  seminary  in  America,  should  be  felt  and  enjoyed 
throughout  the  bounds  of  our  denomination. 


INTRODUCTION.  xix 

Accordingly,  a  circular,  with  the  programme,  was  person- 
ally addressed  to  every  minister  on  the  roll  of  the  General 
Synod,  and  to  all  the  graduates  of  the  Seminary  who  have 
become  connected  with  other  denominations  ;  to  the  surviv- 
ing members  of  the  families  of  our  deceased  Professors,  and 
to  the  numerous  friends  and  patrons  of  the  Institution  whose 
residences  could  be  ascertained.  Special  invitations  were  sent 
to  all  the  Classes  and  to  other  ecclesiastical  bodies  ;  to  vari- 
ous ministerial  associations ;  to  the  Trustees  and  Superinten- 
dents, and  standing  committees  connected  with  the  control  of 
our  Educational  Institutions,  and  the  management  of  our 
Boards  of  benevolence.  It  was  the  aim  and  effort  of  the  com- 
mittee to  extend  a  proper  invitation  to  all  the  branches  of  our 
ecclesiastical  family,  so  that  none  should  feel  slighted  on  the 
occasion  of  this  grand  Centennial  reunion.  Special  invita- 
tions were  also  sent  to  the  Faculties  of  the  University  of  Ut- 
recht, the  Free  University  of  Amsterdam,  and  the  Theolog- 
ical School  at  Campen,  in  Holland,  and  to  many  of  the  princi- 
pal theological  seminaries  in  the  United  Sates.  Of  the  lat- 
ter nine  were  represented  on  our  platform  in  the  persons  of 
distinguished  professors,  and  as  many  more  by  letters  of  warm, 
fraternal  greeting,  which  were  read  and  will  be  found  in  their 
proper  place  in  this  volume. 

The  committee  hoped  that  at  least  one  of  the  Holland  in- 
stitutions invited  would  be  represented  by  a  delegate,  but  in 
this  they  were  disappointed.  All  of  them,  however,  have  sent 
official  letters  conveying  their  cordial  salutations. 

In  addition  to  these,  a  very  fraternal  communication  was 
received  from  the  venerable  Prof,  Nicholas  Beets,  D.D.,  of  the 
University  of  Utrecht.  By  a  law  which  limits  the  period  of 
active  service  in  the  University  to  seventy  years  of  age,  Dr. 
Beets  was  last  year  relieved  of  his  professorial  labors.  He  is 
well  known  as  one  of  the  most  distinguished  scholars  of  the 
present  day.  On  his  retirement  from  the  position  he  had  so 
long  and  so  ably  filled,  he  was  made  the  recipient  of  a  very 
flattering  testimonial  of  respect  by  his  friends  and  admirers, 
both  in  Europe  and  America. 

In  selecting  persons  to  preside  and  others  to  take  part  in  the 
devotional  services  of  each  session,  the  committee  did  not  for- 


XX  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

get  the  respect  due  to  age.  There  were  found  on  the  roll  of 
living  alumni  the  names  of  nine  who  graduated  fifty  years,  and 
of  three  who  graduated  sixty  years  ago.  These  fathers  of  the 
Church  were  specially  invited.  Some  responded  by  letter,  being 
too  feeble  and  far  away  to  attend,  but  several  were  present  and 
filled  their  places  on  the  programme. 

Place  of  Meeting. 

The  following  telegram  was  received  by  the  General  Synod 
in  session  at  Grand  Rapids,  June,  1884; 

"  The  Consistory  of  the  First  Reformed  Church,  New  Bruns- 
wick, sends  cordial   greetings,  and  extends  a  hearty  welcome 
to  the  General  Synod  to  celebrate,  in  October,  the  Centennial 
of  the  Theological  Professorate,  in  our  beloved  historic  Zion. 
Thomas  Chalmers  Easton,  Pastor. 

The  Consistory  of  the  Second  Church  also  offered  the  use  of 
its  large  and  beautiful  edifice.  Both  offers  were  accepted. 
The  session  of  Wednesday  forenoon  was  held  in  the  Second 
Church  ;  the  others  in  the  First  Church,  which  was  appropri- 
ately decorated  for  the  occasion.  Over  the  pulpit  was  draped 
the  flag  of  the  Netherlands,  and  amidst  its  folds  hung  the  portrait 
of  Dr.  Livingston.  On  either  side  of  the  pulpit  were  displayed 
symbolic  banners,  recalling  the  civil  and  ecclesiastical  history 
of  the  Fatherland.  These  had  been  prepared  for  the  Council 
at  Philadelphia,  and  were  kindly  loaned  for  this  occasion  by 
the  Presbyterian  Board  of  Publication. 

Portraits  of  the  following  Professors  and  patrons  of  the 
Seminary  and  the  College  were  suspended  from  the  galleries : 
Professors  Philip  Milledoler,  D.D  ,  John  De  Witt,  D.D.,  John 
Ludlow,  D.D.,  James  S.  Cannon,  D.D.,  Alexander  McClelland, 
D.D.,  Samuel  A.  Van  Vranken,  D.D.,  John  Schureman,  D.D.; 
Revs.  Thomas  De  Witt,  D.D.,  Ira  Condict,  D.D.,  J.  V.  C. 
Romeyn,  D.D.,  John  M.  Van  Harlingen,  John  Knox,  D.D. ; 
Messrs.  Gardner  A.  Sage,  James  Suydam,  Eugene  Van  Rens- 
selaer, James  Neilson  and  Peter  R.  Warner  ;  and  of  Mrs.  Anna 
Hertzog  and  Mrs.  Maria  Board. 

For  the  loan  of  these  portraits  we  were  indebted  to  the 
authorities  of  the  Seminary  and  of  Rutgers  College,  and  for 
their  arrangement  to  the  theological  students,  who  were   rep- 


INTRODUCTrON.  xxi 

presented  by  a  committee  consisting  of  Mr.  J.  Laubenheimer 
Mr.  Peter  Crispell  and  Mr.  J.  Beyer. 

The  Services. 

At  all  the  five  sessions  of  the  Centennial  large  audiences 
were  present,  notwithstanding  the  stormy  weather  which  pre- 
vailed part  of  the  time.  There  was  no  lack  of  entertainment 
for  all  who  came,  as  the  hospitalities  of  the  people  of  the  First 
-and  Second  Churches,  as  well  as  of  many  other  citizens,  were 
generously  proffered.  The  number  present  from  a  distance 
may  be  inferred  from  the  fact  that  about  two  hundred  and 
twenty  guests  sat  down  at  the  collation  on  Wednesday. 

The  programme  as  arranged  was  carried  out  with  but  two 
exceptions.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Abeel  was  unable  to  be  present 
according  to  appointment,  to  conduct  the  opening  devotional 
services  of  the  first  session,  and,  by  request  of  the  committee, 
the  Rev.  Professor  W.  V.  V.  Mabon,  D.D.,  took  his  place. 
Rev.  A.  P.  Van  Gieson,  D.D.,  who  was  appointed  chairman  of 
the  Wednesday  afternoon  session,  was  detained  by  illness,  and 
Rev.  Joachim  Elmendorf,  D.D.,  presided  in  his  stead. 

A  very  interesting  feature  of  the  Wednesday  forenoon  meet- 
ing was  the  presence  of  the  Faculty  and  students  of  Rutgers 
College  in  a  body,  in  accordance  with  the  following  communi- 
cation from  the  President,  which,  at  his  request,  was  read  by 
the  presiding  ofificer  at  the  opening  of  the  session  : 

''  The  Faculty  and  students  of  Rutgers  College,  wishing  to 
indicate  by  their  attendance  in  a  body  their  cordial  interest  in 
the  Centennial  of  their  sister  Institution  at  New  Brunswick, 
have  suspended  the  work  of  the  College  for  the  first  morning 
hour,  and  as  they  will  be  forced  to  withdraw  to  attend  to  reci- 
tations before  the  morning  session  in  this  place  is  over,  they 
trust  that  friends  will  understand  that  the  summons  to  work, 
for  a  part  of  the  morning,  is  the  reason  for  their  early  with- 
drawal." 

At  the  close  of  this  session  a  recess  was  taken  for  the  pur- 
pose of  visiting  the  Seminary  grounds  and  buildings,  and  a 
large  number  availed  themselves  of  the  opportunity.  Their 
impressions  were  well  described  by  the  pen  of"  Old  Colony  " 
in  the  Christian  Intelligencer. 

"  As  we  went  about  the  Seminary  and  College,  and  counted 


xxii  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

their  towers,  and  considered  their  palaces,  and  marked  their 
bulwarks,  we  felt  that  we  should  be  cravens  in  spirit,  and 
recreant  to  the  God  of  our  fathers,  and  to  the  Providence 
which  has  watched  over  our  institutions,  if  we  even  doubted 
the  future,  much  more,  if  we  withheld  our  hands  from  finishing 
the  work  so  grandly  and  solidly  begun." 

From  the  Seminary  grounds  the  visitors  moved  in  proces- 
sion to  the  lecture-room  of  the  First  Church,  and  sat  down  to 
a  bountiful  collation  provided  by  the  General  Synod,  and 
which  formed  a  delightful  feature  of  the  occasion.  The  Presi- 
dent of  the  Synod,  Rev.  Dr.  Cole,  presided,  and  grace  was  said 
by  Prof.  Green,  of  Princeton.  A  large  number  of  Professors  and 
other  distinguished  guests  were  present.  During  the  recess 
many  strangers  visited  the  tombs  of  the  illustrious  dead, 
whose  ashes  rest  in  the  old  church-yard. 

The  afternoon  session  was  one  of  peculiar  interest.  The 
house  was  crowded.  Seldom,  if  ever  in  this  country,  have  so 
many  theological  seminaries  been  brought  together  by  their 
representatives  to  extend  the  hand  of  friendship,  and  offer 
their  congratulations  to  a  sister  Institution.  On  the  platform,, 
besides  the  delegates  from  other  theological  institutions,  were 
professors  of  our  own  Seminary,  President  Gates  and  profes- 
sors of  Rutgers  College,  Professor  Scott,  acting  President  of 
Hope  College,  Rev.  George  R.  Ferguson,  Superintendent  of 
educational  institutions  at  Cape  Colony,  in  South  Africa,  and 
others.  After  the  reading  of  letters  from  the  Fatherland,  and 
from  American  theological  institutions  not  personally  repre- 
sented, the  delegates  present  delivered  interesting  addresses. 
A  beautiful  poem,  written  for  the  occasion,  at  the  request  of 
the  committee,  by  Mrs.  Merrill  E.  Gates,  was  then  read  by 
the  chairman  of  the  meeting,  after  which  President  Gates  and 
Professor  T.  Sandford  Doolittle,  D.D.,  presented  the  saluta- 
tions of  Rutgers  College.  The  impression  made  by  this  meet- 
ing is  vividly  described  in  the  following  extract  from  an  edito- 
rial in  the  New  York  Independent. 

"These  addresses  were  all  cordial,  pertinent  and  effective  in 
the  highest  degree,  and  the  crowded  audience  seemed  to  feel 
it  to  be  a  great  privilege  to  listen  to  the  words  of  so  many  men 
distinguished  for  learning  and  piety,     When  Dr.  Prentiss,  who. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxiii 

rose  near  the  end,  spoke  in  enthusiastic  terms  of  the  enjoy- 
ment he  experienced  during  the  exercises,  there  was  at  once  a 
hearty  response  from  all  who  were  present.  Six  of  the  large 
religious  bodies  of  the  country  then  and  there,  by  their  repre- 
sentative men,  declared  their  hearty  fellowship  in  the  distinc- 
tive features  of  the  gospel,  and  their  oneness  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

They  had  their  diversities,  but  the  diversities,  as  one  speaker 
happily  said,  were  such  as  presupposed  their  substantial  unity. 
The  impression  made  by  these  varied  speeches  was  such  that 
no  one  who  heard  them  will  ever  forget  the  occasion,  and  its 
deep,  solemn  and  tender  interest." 

The  audience  on  Wednesday  evening,  at  the  closing  session, 
was  very  large  notwithstanding  a  severe  storm,  and  the  inter- 
est was  unabated.  The  salutations  of  Hope  College,  placed  on 
the  programme  for  the  afternoon  but  deferred  till  the  evening 
for  want  of  time,  were  presented  by  Rev.  Prof.  Charles  Scott, 
D.D.  The  Collegiate  Dutch  Church  was  represented  by  James 
Anderson,  M.D.,  and  Messrs.  A.  V.  W.  Van  Vechten,  R.  N. 
Perlee  and  Robert  F.  Little,  members  of  the  Consistory.  An 
address  was  delivered  by  Elder  Van  Vechten. 

The  Rev.  M.  H.  Hutton,  D.D.,  on  behalf  of  the  Committee  on 
Endowment,  presented  a  report,  and  followed  it  with  an  earn- 
est address.  The  report  was  heartily  endorsed  by  the  congre- 
gation. Rev.  F.  N.  Zabriskie,  D.D.,  as  the  representative  of 
the  Alumni  Association,  then  delivered  an  address  on  the  Min- 
istry of  the  Past  and  of  the  Future,  which  was  the  main  fea- 
ture of  the  evening. 

The  exercises  according  to  the  programme  having  been  thus 
far  concluded,  the  chairman  pronounced  the  words  of  farewell, 
which  tenderly  recalled  the  services  that  had  been  so  richly  en- 
joyed, and  urged  his  brethren  to  loyalty  and  fidelity  to  the 
Church  and  her  Institutions. 

The  closing  prayer  was  ofifered  by  the  newly-inaugurated 
Professor  of  the  Hebrew  Language  and  Exegesis,  Rev.  John 
G.  Lansing,  after  which  the  Doxology  was  sung,  and  the  large 
assembly  was  dismissed  with  the  benediction  by  the  pastor  of 
the  Church,  Rev.  Dr.  Easton. 


xxiv  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

Resolutions  of  Thanks. 

Before  the  close  of  the  evening  services,  the  following  paper 
was  read  by  Rev.  Cornelius  Brett,  and  unanimously  adopted 
by  the  audience : 

By  the  Alumni  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Bruns- 
wick, and  their  friends  assembled  in  Centennial  celebration,  it 
was,  unanimously, 

Resolved,  That  a  vote  of  thanks  be  heartily  tendered — 

1st.  To  the  Committees  of  the  General  Synod  and  the 
Alumni  Association  ;  and  especially  to  the  zealous  chairman 
R.ev.  P.  D.  Van  Cleef,  D.D.,  for  the  able  manner  in  which  the 
programme  for  these  exercises  has  been  arranged,  and  for  the 
efficient  management  which  has  made  the  Centennial  exer- 
cises a  marked  success. 

2d.  To  the  Pastors  and  Consistories  of  the  Churches  in 
■which  the  services  have  been  held,  for  the  use  of  their  beauti- 
ful temples,  which  are  dear  to  all  the  Alumni  as  the  Church 
liomes  of  their  Seminary  years. 

3d.  To  all  the  citizens  of  New  Brunswick  who,  with  char- 
acteristic hospitality,  have  opened  their  homes  to  the  visitors 
returning  to  the  sacred  shrine  of  Alma  Mater. 

4th.  To  the  Netherland  Steamship  Company  for  the  use  of 
a  flag  of  our  Fatherland. 

5th.  To  the  Professors  of  Rutgers  College  and  the  Semi- 
nary, for  the  loan  of  pictures. 

6th.  To  the  Presbyterian  Board  of  Publication  for  the  use  of 
Symbolic  Charts,  used  in  decoration. 

7th.  To  the  students  of  the  Seminary  for  their  aid  in  deco- 
rating the  church,  and  for  services  as  ushers. 

8th.  To  all  those  who,  with  elaborate  papers  or  short  ad- 
dresses, have  made  this  feast  of  good  things  long  to  be  remem- 
bered, and  these  days  of  the  Celebration  red-letter  days  in 
the  life  of  every  participant. 

9th.  To  the  excellent  choir  and  organist  of  the  First  Re- 
formed Church,  and  the  chorister  and  organist  of  the  Second 
Church,  for  the  music  which  has  added  greatly  to  the  interest 
of  the  services. 

lOth.  To  the  Press  of  New  Brunswick,  for  the  able  and   in- 


INTRODUCTION.  xxv 

teresting  reports  of  proceedings  which  have  intensified  the  in- 
terest of  the  community  in  all  proceedings. 

THE    PROGRAMME. 

First  Reformed  Church,  Tuesday,  October  28th,  1884, 
3  p.  M.,  Rev.  David  Cole,  D.D.,  President  of  the  General 
Synod,  Presiding.  Reading,  Psalm  xlv.,  and  Prayer  by  Prof. 
W.  V.  V.  Mabon  D.D.  Hymn  691.  Address  of  Welcome, 
Rev.  Thomas  C.  Easton,  D.D.,  Pastor  of  the  Church.  Re- 
sponse, by  the  Presiding  Ofificer.  Address — Historical  The- 
ology, Professor  Samuel  M.  Woodbridge,  D.D.,  Dean  of 
the  Seminary.  Hymn  560.  Benediction,  Rev.  John  T. 
Demarest,  D.D. 

First  Reformed  Church,  Tuesday.  7.30  p.  m.,  Rev.  Rans- 
ford  Wells,  D.D.,  Presiding.  Hymn  96.  Prayer  by  Rev. 
Francis  M.  Kip,  D.D.  Discourse — History  of  the  Theologi- 
cal Seminary,  Prof.  David  D.  Demarest,  D.D.  Hymn  722. 
Benediction,  Rev.  J.  Romeyn  Berry,  D.  D. 

Second  Reformed  Church,  Wednesday,  October  29th, 
9  A.  m..  Rev.  Thomas  E.  Vermilye,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  Presid- 
ing. Hymn  924.  Prayer  by  Rev.  William  Brush.  Address — 
Relation  of  the  Seminary  and  Rutgers  College  to  each  other. 
Rev.  William  H.  Campbell,  D.D.,  LL.D.  Address— Influ- 
ence of  the  Seminary  on  the  Denominational  Life  of  the 
Church,  Rev.  William.  J.  R.  Taylor,  D.D.  Address— His- 
torical Sketch  of  Theological  Instruction  in  the  West,  Rev. 
Cornelius  E.  Crispell,  D.D.  Hymn  561.  Benediction,  Rev. 
Gustavus  Abeel,  D.D. 

Collation 
In  the  Lecture  Room  of  the  First  Reformed  Church,  i  P.  M. 

First  Reformed  Church,  2.30  p.  m..  Rev.  Joachim  Elmen- 
dorf,  D.D.,  Presiding.  Hymn  684.  Prayer,  by  Rev.  Elbert 
Nevius.  Letters  of  congratulation  from  the  Fatherland — 
from  Prof.  Beets,  of  Utrecht ;  the  Faculty  of  Utrecht ;  Prof. 
Brummelkamp,  of  Kampen  ;  and  Prof.  Hoedemaker,  of  Ams- 
terdam. Letters  of  congratulation  from  American  Theolog- 
ical Seminaries.  Reception  of  delegates  from  other  Theolog- 
ical Seminaries.  Salutations  from  Rutgers  College.  Hymn 
700.     Benediction,  Rev.  George  R.  Ferguson. 


xxvi  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

First  Reformed  Church,  Wednesday,  7.30  p.  m.,  Rev.  Abm. 
R.  Van  Nest,  D.D.,  Presiding.  Hymn  701.  Prayer  by  Rev. 
Cornelius  Brett.  Salutations  from  Hope  College.  Report 
and  Suggestions  on  Endowment,  by  Rev.  M.  H.  Hutton, 
D.D.  Address — The  Ministry  of  the  Past  and  of  the  Fu- 
ture, Rev.  F.  N.  Zabriskie,  D.D.,  representing  the  Alumni 
Association.  Farewell  words  from  the  Presiding  Ofificer. 
Prayer,  by  Rev.  Prof.  John  G.  Lansing.  Hymn  679.  Dox- 
ology,  and  Benediction  by  Rev.  Thomas  C.  Easton,  D.D. 

Description  of  the  Frontispiece.* 
The  large  upper  shield  of  Holland  has  a  blue  field,  upon  which 
is  a  large  bronze  circle,  bearing  a  medal  commemorative  of  the 
Synod  of  Dort.  It  shows  a  temple  upon  the  top  of  a  rock. 
Worshipers  are  ascending  to  the  temple  by  a  highway  cut  in 
the  rock.  The  four  winds,  represented  under  the  form  of 
creatures  of  envious  and  hostile  spirit,  appear  in  the  four  quar- 
ters blowing  upon  the  rock.  The  scroll  surrounding  the  figures 
reads :  Erunt  ut  Mons  Sion,  MDCXIX. — "  They  are  as 
Mount  Zion,  A.  D.,  1619."  The  idea  appears  to  be  that  the 
Church,  under  all  the  winds  of  persecution,  is  as  Mount  Zion, 
which  cannot  be  removed.  Ps.  cxxv :  i.  A  large  band  be- 
neath the  shield  bears  the  Dutch  motto,  Eendraclit  Maakt 
Macht.  Beneath  this  is  a  tablet  to  William  the  Silent, 
under  whom  the  Netherlands  achieved  her  civil  and  religious 
independence.  This  tablet  bears  upon  an  orange  band  the 
name  "  William."  In  the  centre  upon  a  blue  field  is  William's 
coat-of-arms  with  the  motto.  Nisi  Dominus  Frustra.  A  scarlet 
band  beneath  the  coat-of-arms  of  William  bears  the  name  of 
his  noble  and  distinguished  mother,  "  Juliana  of  Stolberg  " 
Underneath  is  a  white  tablet  in  the  shape  of  a  Maltese  cross, 
upon  which  is  pictured  a  lily  springing  up  through  thorns, 
one  of  the  emblems  of  the  Holland  Church.  Surrounding  it 
is  the  Dutch  text,  A/s  Eene  Lelie   Onder  De  Doornen — "  As 


*  This  description  has  been  drawn  from  various  authentic  sources.  We  acknowl- 
edge special  obligations,  however,  to  the  Rev.  Henry  C.  McCook,  D.D.,  of  Phila- 
delphia, and  Rev.  William  E.  Griffis,  D.D. ,  of  Schenectady.  The  principal 
authority,  so  far  as  we  know,  upon  these  topics,  is  the  Medallische  historie  der 
Republyk  von  Holland.  In't  Fransch  beschreeven  door  den  Heer  Bizot,  en  uit  die 
taal  in't  Nederduitsch  gebracht,  etc.  t'Amsterdam,  1690. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxvii 

a  lily  among  the  thorns."  Across  the  lily,  and  between  the 
parts  of  the  motto  is  the  sentence,  "  100,000  Martyrs,  A.  D., 
1 567-1 573,"  commemorating  those  who  died  for  their  faith  (as 
martyrs)  during  the  terrible  persecutions  under  the  Emperor 
Charles  V.,  his  son  Philip  II,  and  the  bloody  Duke  of  Alva. 

Beneath  the  cruciform  tablets  are  two  small  tablets,  one  in 
blue  to  the  Dutch  navy,  or  "  Beggars  of  the  Sea,"  inscribed 
"Admiral  Boisot,  Brill,  A.  D.,  1572,"  "  Leyden,  A.  D.,  1574." 
Boisot  was  the  admiral  who  achieved  the  liberation  of  Leyden 
at  its  historic  siege.  Brill  was  the  first  seaport  captured  by 
the  Water  Beggars,  which  capture  turned  the  scales  in  favor  of 
the  struggling  patriots.  On  either  side  of  the  above  is  painted 
in  bronze  color  a  large  oval  medal,  the  one  on  the  right  being 
an  exact  copy  of  the  Beggars'  medal,  which  was  struck  in  com- 
memoration of  the  famous  Beggar  Society  organized  under 
Brederode.  The  figure  shows  two  hands  clasped  between  the 
leather  handles  of  two  sacks,  such  as  were  carried  by  the  beg- 
ging friars  of  that  time.  The  date,  "  1556,"  is  on  the  medal, 
and  around  the  inscription  in  French,  '•  Jiisques  a  Porter  La 
Besase."  This  is  the  continuation  of  the  historic  sentence, 
"  Faithful  to  the  King,  until  the  carrying  of  the  Beggar's  Sack." 
On  the  reverse  of  the  medal  from  which  the  above  was  copied, 
is  a  bust  of  King  Philip,  surrounded  by  the  legend,  ''  Faithful 
to  the  King."  The  conclusion,  as  quoted  above,  appears  on 
the  other  side.  William  the  Silent  wore  one  of  these  '*  Beg- 
gars' Medals  "  at  the  time  of  his  assassination. 

The  companion  oval  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  tablet  bears 
one  of  the  devices  and  mottoes  of  William  the  Silent.  It  is  a 
pelican  brooding  over  her  nest,  feeding  her  nestlings  with  the 
blood  drawn  from  her  own  breast.  Underneath  is  the  motto. 
Pro  Lege,  Rege,  et  Grege — "  For  the  Law,  for  the  King  and 
People."  Above  and  beneath  the  bird  are  the  words,  Divino  Fa- 
vore — "  By  the  Divine  Favor."  This  device  and  legend  William 
had  inscribed  upon  some  of  the  flags  carried  by  him  in  battle. 
Beneath  the  tablet  to  the  Dutch  navy,  and  between  the  med- 
als is  the  inscription,  "  Dort,  A. D.,  1618-19,"  commemorating 
that  Synod  which  established  the  creed  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church. 

The  tablet  at  the  bottom  requires  no  explanation. 


xxviii  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

It  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  add  here  a  more  minute  ac- 
count of  our  familiar  emblem — the  coat-of-arms  of  William 
the  Silent. 

It  appeared  for  the  first  time  in  any  of  our  church  publica- 
tions on  the  title-page  of  the  Magazine  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church,  edited  by  Rev.  William  C.  Brownlee,  D.D.,  and  issued 
in  1826.  It  has  the  Latin  motto  on  a  scroll  underneath.  The 
Dutch  motto  is  there  not  as  a  part  of  the  device  itself,  but  is  on 
the  title-page  lower  down.  As  the  Intelligencer  was  the  suc- 
cessor of  the  Magazine,  its  editor,  the  Rev.  C.  D.  Westbrook, 
D.D.,  placed  this  appropriate  device  at  the  head  of  our  Church 
paper  on  the  5th  of  January,  1839. 

The  various  armorial  bearings  on  the  shields  originate  from 
the  fact  that  the  princes  of  Orange  were  also  counts  and 
lords  of  several  other  principalities.  The  largest  and  most 
important  of  them  were  Nassau,  the  capital  of  which,  Dillen- 
burg,  was  the  birth-place  and  cradle  of  William  the  Silent, 
Katzenelnbogen,  Vianden  and  Dietz,  in  Germany,  and  Chal- 
ons and  Orange,  in  France.  All  of  the  said  principalities  are 
represented,  in  this  "coat-of-arms,"  by  the  larger  or  smaller 
shields.   The  first  quarter  of  the  larger  shield  represents  Nassau. 

It  has  a  lion  rampant  on  a  red  field,  surrounded  with  dot- 
tings,  seventeen  in  number,  representing,  it  is  said,  the  union 
•of  the  ten  States  of  the  Netherlands  with  the  seven  States  of 
Holland  under  William. 

The  second,  or  upper  right  hand  quarter  has  a  crowned  lion, 
red  on  a  golden  field,  the  arms  of  Katzenelnbogen.  The  third 
is  that  of  Vianden,  consisting  of  two  passant  or  running  lions 
on  a  blue  field.  The  fourth  quarter,  blue,  banded  with  gold,  is 
the  shield  of  Dietz. 

The  smaller  shield  in  the  centre  is  also  quartered.  The  first 
and  fourth  quarters  represent  the  principality  of  Chalons,  and 
the  second  and  third  that  of  Orange.  The  Chalons  quarters 
bear  diagonal  bands  of  gold  ;  those  of  Orange  have  a  horn  or 
bugle  suspended  on  an  orange  field.  These  martial  horns 
symbolize  the  courageous  leadership  of  those  who  took  up  arms 
against  the  Moors  and  Saracens. 

The  smallest  shield,  surmounting  all,  is  that  of  Geneva,  the 
city  of  Calvin.     It   bears  the    Helvetic   cross.     William    the 


INTRODUCTION.  xxix 

Silent  added  the  seal  of  Geneva  to  his  coat  of  arms  in  token  of 
his  Protestant  faith  and  his  adherence  to  the  principles  of  the 
great  Reformer. 

The  motto  in  Dutch  has  been  variously  written  and  trans- 
lated. A  learned  Hollander  says  the  first  two  words  ought  to 
form  one  compound  word,  as  the  Christian  Intelligencer  has  it. 
Dr.  Brownlce,  in  the  Magazine  of  1826,  spells  the  last  word 
but  one  "  jnackt."  "  Further  researches,"  says  a  writer  in  the 
Intelligencer,  i85i,"into  the  orthography  of  this  language 
convince  us  that  now  the  writing  should  stand  thus  :  *'  eendragt 
maakt  magt."  Some  translate  the  words — one  pull  makes 
might.  We  think  the  true  reading  is  that  which  demands  the 
common  rendering — union  makes  strength.  It  is  a  condensed 
and  free  translation  of  the  Latin  motto  of  the  "  Republic  of 
the  Seven  United  Provinces  "  of  Holland,  which,  on  January 
23d,  1579,  was  formed  in  Utrecht  to  resist  the  tyranny  of 
Philip  n.  of  Spain.  The  motto  is  Concordia  res parvce  crescunt 
— "by  unity  little  things  increase."  It  is  an  oft-recurring 
text  ill  the  rich  medallic  history  of  the  Netherlands.  Besides 
its  appearance  on  coins,  medals  and  plaques,  it  adorned  the 
banners  and  heraldic  insignia  used  in  the  long  war  with  Spain, 
and  was  the  rallying  cry  in  times  of  of  despondency. 

Three  years  later,  in  1582.  on  a  coin  issued  at  Ghent,  appears 
the  scriptural  motto,  Nisi  Dominus  Frustra,  "  Without  the 
Lord  all  is  vain,"  being  in  substance  the  Latin  rendering  of 
the  first  verse  of  the  127th  Psalm.  The  Dutch  had  to  strug- 
gle for  a  home  and  a  church,  and  the  motto  fitly  expresses 
their  deep  religious  convictions,  and  their  sincere  hope  in  God. 

It  remains  only  to  notice  the  imperial  crown  which  sur- 
mounts the  shield,  and  represents  the  Emperor  Charles  the 
Great,  who,  once  being  sovereign  of  the  Netherlands,  granted 
to  them  imperial  privileges,  as  also  the  right  of  carrying  the 
imperial  crown  above  the  coat  of  arms.  This  crown  originally 
bore  the  Latin  device,  which,  with  our  motto,  its  Dutch  equiv- 
alent, was  stamped  as  a  legend  on  the  coin  of  the  Republic, 
and  also  on  the  numerous  medals  struck  during  the  long  strug- 
gle for  civil  and  religious  liberty. 

"  In  this  analysis  of  the  coat-of-arms  of  William  the  Silent 
we  have  the  correct  blazonry  of  that  great  ruler,  who,  on  hear- 


XXX  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

ing  from  the  lips  of  Henry  II.  of  France  his  secret  treaty 
with  Philip  II.  of  Spain  for  the  extirpation  of  the  Protestants 
by  fire  and  sword,  remained  silent  under  the  dreadful  revela- 
tion which  disclosed  his  master's  real  policy,  and  instantly 
changed  his  own  plans  and  aspirations.  He  soon  added  the 
seal  of  Protestant  Geneva  to  his  heraldry. 

The  genuineness  of  these  heraldic  devices,  the  stirring  his- 
torical associations  connected  with  the  shield  of  William,  the 
exalted  character  of  its  owner,  that  great  leader  who  was  one 
of  the  founders  alike  of  the  Dutch  Republic  and  the  Reformed 
Church,  the  honored  place  given  by  him  to  the  seal  of  Geneva, 
indicative  of  his  hearty  acceptance  of  the  theology  of  the 
greatest  teacher  of  the  Reformation,  the  powerful  link  of  at- 
tachment to  the  mother  country,  from  which  many  of  the 
communicants  of  our  Church  still  come,  and  the  motto  so  full 
of  earnest  inspiration,  so  expressive  at  once  of  man's  utter 
dependence  upon  and  reverent  trust  in  God,  and  of  the  need 
of  unity  in  human  labor,  justify  the  ready  acceptance  and  sus- 
tained popularity  of  this,  the  best  known  graphic  symbol  of 
the  Reformed  Church  in  America." 


LETTERS  OF  REGRET. 

From  His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 

Trenton,  Oct.  22,  1884. 
Rev.  Paul  D.  Van  Cleef,  D.D. 

Dear  Sir — I  am  in  receipt  of  the  kind  invitation  of  the  Committee  of 
the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America  to  attend  the 
Centennial  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  October 
28th  and  29th. 

I  should  be  pleased  to  come,  but  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  be  present 
on  that  occasion  by  reason  of  engagements  now  existing.  Hoping  that 
your  Centennial  exercises  may  be  pleasant,  I  remain, 

Very  truly  yours,  Leon  Abbett. 

From  Rev.  J.  Ford  Morris,  Class  of  1824. 
'  At  84  years  of  age  I  am  only  not  entirely  helpless,  but  am  shut  up 
within  my  own  gate,  waiting  daily  for  the  summons  to  depart.  If  spared 
another  week  my  heart  will  be  with  you  in  your  Centennial  celebration. 
I  love  our  grand  old  church,  and  her  School  of  the  Prophets,  and  can 
say  with  the  poet, 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxi 

"  For  her  my  tears  shall  fall, 
For  her  my  prayers  ascend  ; 
To  her  my  cares  and  toils  be  given. 
Till  toils  and  cares  shall  end." 

From  Rco.  Jefferson    Wyttkoop,  Class  of  1824. 

"  When  I  experienced  the  grace  of  God  I  entered  our  Theological 
Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  and  completed  my  course  of  study  under  the 
venerable  Dr.  Livingston.  I  have  never  been  idle  when  my  health  per- 
mitted me  to  work.  Pure  revivals  have  been  my  highest  aim  through  life." 

These  two  aged  fathers,  together  with  Rev.  Gustavus  Abeel,  D.D.,  are 
the  only  survivors  of  the  last  class  of  students  under  the  instruction  of 
Dr.  Livingston. 

From  Rev.  Isaac  S.  Demiind,  who  entered  the  Ministry  of  the  Reformed 

Church  in    1827. 

After  referring  to  a  variety  of  interesting  reminiscences  he  writes  :  "  I 
might  add  other  incidents  in  which  I  took  part,  but  I  forbear,  feeling 
very  thankful  if  I  have  been  in  some  small  degree  instrumental  in  pro- 
moting the  growth  of  our  Church  at  home  and  abroad.  Looking  back 
at  the  day  of  small  things,  contrasting  the  present  with  the  past,  we 
have  abundant  cause  devoutly  and  gratefully  to  unite  our  voices  in 
thanksgiving,  and  exclaim,  'What  hath  God  wrought !'  " 

From  Rev.  James  Demarest,  Class  of  1829. 
"  Regretting  the  necessity  of  my  absence  in  person  let  me  assure  you 
that  I  am  with  you  in  spirit.  ...  I  consider  the  one-hundredth  an- 
niversary of  the  oldest  theological  institution  in  the  United  States  well 
worthy  the  enthusiastic  observance  of  all  her  living  sons.  It  constitutes 
a  stopping  place  for  a  day  to  contemplate  the  past  and  prepare  for  the 
future.  Especially  do  I  regard  this  Centennial  celebration  with  great 
favor,  because  sound  instruction  has  distinguished  all  her  Professors, 
from  the  classic  Livingston  down  to  the  present  erudite  teachers  of  the- 
ology. .  .  .  Without  wishing  to  detract  anything  of  merit  from 
other  theological  institutions,  I  believe  this  one  of  the  Reformed  Church 
in  America  answers  its  end  in  an  eminent  degree.  I  will  say,  therefore, 
let  her  walls  be  garnished  with  light  and  her  gates  with  praise.  Let  the 
Church  and  all  the  friends  of  the  Seminary  rally  to  the  full  measure  of 
her  endowment,  to  sustain  and  spread  the  grand  conservative  doctrines 
of  the  Word  of  God.  In  her  foundation,  history  and  progress  are  em- 
bodied the  glorious  principles  of  the  Reformation.  Brethren,  all  hail  ! 
Let  us  hold^the  fort,  and  allow  no  one  to  spike  her  guns  " 

Frofu  Rev.  Alexander  M.  Mann,  D.D.,  Class  of  1S30. 
•'  I  deeply  regret  to  say  that  the  deprivation  of  my  sight  makes  the 


xxxii  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

obstacle  in  the  way  of  my  attending  the  celebration  of  the  Centennial 
of  the  Theological  Seminary  so  great  as  to  render  it  impossible  for  me 
to  be  present.  I  would  be  glad  to  shake  the  hands  of  so  many  of  the 
brethren,  and  to  rejoice  with  them  on  that  interesting  occasion.  I  am 
remarkably  well  in  other  respects,  save  my  sight,  and  I  have  therefore 
great  cause  for  gratitude  to  my  Heavenly  Father,  and  feel  daily  con- 
strained to  sing  the  Doxology.  It  seems  very  strange  to  find  myself 
among  the  oldest  ministers  of  our  church.  Only  five  besides  myself  are 
among  those  now  living  who  were  in  the  Church  when  I  entered  it  in 
1830.  I  deem  myself  as  a  mere  remnant  of  the  generations  long  past. 
Thus  time  flies,  and  soon  the  end  must  come." 

From  Rev.  S.  A.  Bumstead,  who  entered  the  Ministry  of  the  Reformed 

Church  in  1831. 

"  I  thank  you  for  this  expression  of  brotherly  regard  for  one  of  the 
oldest  of  the  ministers  of  the  American  Reformed  Church,  and  I  assure 
you  that  it  will  not  be  any  want  of  love  and  interest  in  the  prosperity  of 
our  beloved  Zion  that  prevents  me  from  meeting  with  you  on  so  joyous 
an  occasion.  For  since  my  connection  with  the  Dutch  Church,  includ- 
ing a  period  of  fifty-five  years,  I  have  felt  myself  identified  with  her 
interests,  and  with  all  things  pertaining  to  her  welfare,  and  I  may  also 
add  with  heartfelt  sincerity  that  I  shall  continue  to  rejoice  in  her  pros- 
perity." 

From  Rev.    William  H.  Steele,  D.D.,  Class  of  1840. 

"' How  near  and  yet  how  far'  those  doings  of  Marckii  Medulla,  the 
notes  of  lectures  on  Church  History,  and  the  Manual  in  the  room  for 
Hebrew.  (The  infamy  of  Sejanus  was  never  veiled,  and  cannot 
die.) 

The  extra  hour  class  of  Dr.  McClelland  in  '37  is  immortal.  In  the 
'teens  men  of  those  pleasant  days,  our  Church  and  other  communions 
now  recognize  the  eloquent  and  the  useful,  not  a  few.  Instead  of  three 
men,  partially  hampered  by  College  duty  in  the  same  building,  we  now 
rejoice  in  five  in  a  Seminary  edifice  quite  their  own,  and  all  of  them 
capable,  revered  and  true.  At  home  and  at  the  Antipodes  the  outcome 
of  their  work  is  honest  and  blessed. 

The  Church  of  Christ  owes  them  sustaining  love  and  prayer  in  all  her 
homes.  May  the  days  and  duties  of  your  celebration  have  the  highest 
blessing  of  the  Triune  God." 

From  Rev.  James  A.  H.  Cornell,  D.D.,  Class  of  1841. 
"  If  my  health  is  adequate  it  will  aff^ord  me  much  gratification  to  be 
at  the  interesting  exercises  foreshadowed  in  the  papers  you  enclosed.  I 
hope  you  may  have  a  prosperous  celebration,  and  that  the  Seminary 
and  College  may  flourish  together  more  and  more  through  coming 
time." 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxiii 

From  Rev.  Elbert  S.  Porter,  D.D.,  Class  of  1842. 
"  Brethren,  I  send  you  greeting,  and  would  join  with  you  as  far  as  pos- 
sible, though  absent,  in  celebrating  what  is  implied   in  the  grandeur  of 
the  historic  occasion,  which  brings  back  the  illustrious  to  memory,  and 
embellishes   with   the  lustre  of  a  new  hope  the  future  of  our  beloved 

Neither  by  blood  nor  battle,  but  by  faith,  patience,  and  self-denial  the 
Church  of  the  Netherlands  won  a  victory  for  the  world,  for  all  ages,  and 
for  the  final  establishment  of  the  everlasting  kingdom.  No  Church  be- 
side it  has  or  can  have  a  nobler  history,  so  long  as  it  remained  faithful, 
loyal  and  true. 

For  its  apostacy  in  the  old  world,  where  Church  and  superstition  are 
united  in  resisting  civil  and  religious  liberty,  it  has  received  as  it  has 
sown,  but  in  this  new  and  grander  sphere  the  Reformed  Church,  though 
small,  has  been  led  by  the  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  and  has  advanced 
from  victory  to  victory.  Whosoever  glories  in  the  cross  of  Christ  may 
well  glory  in  what  our  Church  has  done  within  the  last  century.  With 
this  Church  has  been  identified  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Bruns- 
wick. If  Athens  was  the  eye  of  Greece  for  an  ancient  philosophy, 
surely  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick  has  been  the  vovi, 
mind,  spirit  and  soul  of  that  irenical  phase  of  Calvinistic  Evangelism 
that  is  bringing  all  together  into  a  co-operative  fraternity  to  subdue  the 
world  to  Christ." 

From  Rev.  James  H.  Mason  Knox,  D.D.,  Class  of  1845,  President  of 
Lafayette  College. 

"  I  have  had  my  eye  on  New  Brunswick  ever  since  I  saw  the  announce- 
ment of  the  Centennial  Anniversary,  and  I  mean  to  be  there  if  I  can  at 
all  make  it  out.  I  fear,  however,  from  the  present  outlook  that  I  can- 
not be  there  on  Wednesday,  the  29th,  but  I  will  try  to  be.  On  the 
first  day  of  the  celebration  I  will  be  present  unless  the  unexpected  oc- 
curs. I  know  I  shall  enjoy  meeting  old  friends  and  renewing  old 
associations,  which  have  been  always  so  precious  to  me." 

From  Rez'.  B.  F.  Murden,  Class  of  1 846. 
"  It  would  afford  me  great  pleasure  to  participate  in  the  '  Feast  of  rea- 
son and  flow  of  soul,'  the  fraternal  greetings  and  the  pleasant  reminis- 
cences of  other  days,  but  distance  and  other  circumstances  will  not  permit. 
You  have  my  prayers  and  kind  remembrance." 

Fro7n  Riv.  Peter  Strykcr,  D.D..  Class  of  1848. 

"  All  hail  to  the  dear  old  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  I  am   sorry  I 

cannot  attend  the  Centennial.     My  heart  will  be  with  you  if  my  body  is 

1,500  miles  away.     May  the  Seminary  live  to  be  a  thousand  years  old, 

and  send  outlets  of  better  men  than  you  or  I.     If  any  one  asks  after  mc 


xxxiv  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

tell  him  that  Peter  is  looking  after  Andrew,  and  Andrew  and  Peter, 
from  the  Presbyterian  Church  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  send 
their  greetings  to  their  beloved  Dutch  brethren  at  the  East." 

From  Rev.  T.  De  Witt  Talmage,  D.D.,  Class  (t/"  1856. 

(TELEGRAM.) 

Expected  to  come,  but  disappointed.  Love  to  all  the  brethren,  and 
heartiest  greetings  to  the  dear  old  Seminary.  I  am  every  day  grateful 
for  its  gracious  influence." 

From  Rev.  Giles  Van  de  Wall,  Class  ^1856. 

Dated  Paarl,  Cape  Colony,  South  Africa. 

"  How  glad  would  I  have  been  to  be  at  New  Brunswick  next  week  to 
meet  brethren  beloved  in  Christ,  whom  I  have  known  as  ministers  or  as 

fellow  students.      I  shall  be  with  you  in  the  spirit 

Of  our  Theological  Seminary  at  Stellenbosch  I  am  Curator,  as  well  as 
member  of  two  examining  commissions— the  one  to  admit  students  into 
our  Theological  School,  the  other  to  admit  candidates  into  the  ministry. 
I  am  now  reading  Dr.  McClelland's  treatise  on  the  Canon  and  Inter- 
pretation of  the  Scriptures,  and  Dr.  Campbell's  lectures  on  Biblical 
Criticism  (which  he  gave  us  at  New  Brunswick)  to  refresh  my  memory 
for  our  approaching  examination.  The  Seminary  where  I  had  the  priv- 
ilege of  studying,  and  the  Church  to  which  it  belongs,  are  far  from  for- 
gotten, and  I  cherish  the  silent  hope  that  the  Lord  may  permit  me  to 
visit  the  scenes  of  my  former  labors  before  I  die.  As  for  myself,  I  grow 
with  increasing  years  in  the  knowledge  of  two  subjects — the  one  is  that 
I  am  an  undone  sinner  before  God,  and  the  other  that  Jesus  Christ  is  an 
all-sufficient  willing  Savior." 

From  Rev.  John  McClellan  Holmes,  Class  of  1857. 
"  Until  to-day  I  have  been  expecting  to  attend  the  Seminary  Centen- 
nial at  New  Brunswick,  on  Tuesday  and  Wednesday  of  this  week.  But 
just  as  I  am  about  leaving  home  a  matter  has  come  up  which  detains 
me  in  Albany,  and  compels  me  to  forego  the  pleasure  of  meeting  my 
fellow  alumni." 

From  Rev.  Matthew  B.  Riddle,  D.D.,  Class  <?/"  1859. 
"  Our  Seminary  here  will  be  represented  by  the  Dean  of  our  Faculty, 
Dr.  Thompson,  but  as  an  alumnus  of  New  Brunswick,  I  ought  to  take 
this  occasion  to  express  my  gratitude  to  the  kind  Providence  which  led 
me  to  that  Seminary  to  spend  two  years  of  profitable  study.  My  rela- 
tion to  Exegetical  Theology  will  prevent  it  seeming  invidious  if  I  name 
the  Rev.  and  honored  Professor  Campbell  as  the  man  whose  instruc- 
tions, so  clear,  so  thorough,  so  stimulating,  remain  most  prominent  in 
my  memory.  It  was  worth  while,  I  found,  to  tarry  another  year  under 
his  lectures.     The  only  return  I  can  make  is  an  acknowledgment  of  this 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxv 

kind  on  every  suitable  occasion,  and  the  effort  in  my  class-room  to  aim 
at  doing  for  others  what  he  did  for  me." 

From  Rii'.  Denis   Wortman,  D.D.,  Class  of  i860. 

"I  greatly  regret  that  unforeseen  circumstances  prevent  my  attendance 
at  the  Centennial,  and  the  discharge  of  the  pleasant  task  of  answering 
for  the  class  of  i860.  As  it  is,  the  Seminary  needs  no  assurance  of  our 
grateful  memories  of  pleasant,  profitable  years  spent  within  her  walls, 
nor  of  our  earnest  desire  for  her  continued  and  enlarged  prosperity. 

As  a  class,  we  give  you  cordial  greetings  from  five  Christian  denomi- 
nations, from  four  or  five  States  in  the  Union  ;  while  full  half  way  round 
the  globe  there  come  the  salutations  of  beloved  missionaries  from  our 
three  great  missionary  fields,  John  Scudder,  of  India,  Kip,  of  China,  and 

Ballagh,  of  Japan As  this  is  our  Seminary's  Centennial,  I 

cannot  dissuade  myself  from  the  pleasure  of  sending  to  you  for  its  arch- 
ives a  little  document  that  seems  to  belong  rightly  there — the  manu- 
script sermon  of  Rev.  Dr.  Laidlie,  delivered  on  Thursday,  May  25th, 
1769,  on  the  dedication  of  the  old  North  Dutch  Church,  on  Fulton 
Street,  New  York. 

May  I  further  take  the  liberty,  dear  brother,  of  sending  you  the  en- 
closed verses ;  a  very  humble  attempt  to  express  the  prayer  that  our 
class  of  i860,  and  indeed  all  loyal  sons  of  New  Brunswick,  lift  to  God, 
at  this  unwonted  anniversary,  for  His  blessing  upon  her,  and  all  who 
go  forth  from  her  instructions." 

A  Prayer  for  Young  Ministers. 
God  of  the  Prophets  !  Bless  the  prophets'  sons  ; 

Elijah's  mantle  o'er  Elisha  cast ; 
Each  age  its  solemn  task  may  claim  but  once; 

Make  each  a  nobler,  stronger  than  the  last ! 

For  those  who  here  shall  catch  thy  mystic  voice. 
And  with  their  :  •'  Here  am  I ;  speak,  Lord," — shall  stand 

To  do  thy  bidding,  we  with  thanks  rejoice  ; 

God  lead  them  forth  to  joyous  work  and  grand. 

Anoint  them  Prophets  !     Make  their  ears  attent 

To  thy  divinest  speech  ;  their  hearts  awake 
To  human  need  ;  their  lips  make  eloquent 

T'  assure  the  right  and  every  evil  break. 

Anoint  them  Priests  !     Strong  intercessors  they 

For  pardon  and  for  charity  and  peace  ! 
Ah,  if  with  them  the  world  might  pass  astray 

Into  the  dear  Christ's  life  of  sacrifice  ! 

Anoint  them  Kings  !     Aye,  kingly  kings,  O  Lord  ! 

Anoint  them  with  the  spirit  of  thy  Son  : 
Theirs  not  a  jeweled  crown,  a  blood-stained  sword  ; 

Theirs,  by  sweet  love,  for  Christ  a  kingdom  won, 


xxxvi  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

Make  them  Apostles  !     Heralds  of  thy  Cross, 
Forth  may  they  go  to  tell  all  realms  thy  grace  ; 

Inspired  of  Thee,  may  they  count  all  but  loss. 
And  stand  at  last  with  joy  before  thy  face. 

Oh,  Mighty  Age  of  prophet-kings,  return  ! 

Oh,  Truth,  Oh,  Faith,  enrich  our  urgent  time  ! 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  again  with  us  sojourn  ; 

A  weary  world  awaits  thy  reign  sublime. 

From  Rev.  Dirk  Broek,  Class  of  1 864. 

"  As  a  graduate  of  the  class  '64  I  look  over  a  space  of  twenty  years 
with  gratitude  for  the  sound  instruction  received,  and  the  happy  days 
spent  within  the  walls  of  our  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick. 

It  is  a  matter  of  sincere  thankfulness  that  for  a  century  our  dear 
Alma  Mater  has  stood  boldly  forth  as  a  strong  bulwark  in  defence  of 
sound  doctrine. 

From  Rev.  Chester  D.  Hartranft,  D.D.,  Class  of  1 864. 

"It  would  do  me  good  to  join  in  the  Centennial  feast,  to  acknowledge 
my  personal  debt  to  our  steadfast  Seminary,  to  say  a  word  for  the  class 
of  '64,  especially  to  call  to  remembrance  its  faithful  and  blessed  dead  ; 
but  my  duties  forbid. 

Our  venerable  and  beloved  colleague.  Dr.  Thompson,  will  carrj^  the  con- 
gratulations of  the  Seminary,  so  fresh  from  its  jubilee  exercises. 

May  the  Lord  crown  this  more  ancient  School  of  the  Prophets  with 
other  centuries  of  equal  fidelity  to  the  Word,  to  history,  to  truth,  to  the 
ministry,  to  the  Church  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

From  Rev.  Francis  A.  Norton,  D.D.,   Class  of  1865. 

Dated  Oakl.\nd,  California. 
"Your  kind  invitation  to  me  to  come  home  and  join  with  my  fathers 
and  brethren  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  celebrating  the  Centennial 
anniversary  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  is  just  at 
hand.  It  awakens  in  me  all  the  old  home  feeling,  and  fills  my  heart 
with  yearning  desire  to  accept  and  attend.  But  weary  miles  and  press- 
ing duties  forbid  the  thought  beyond  hearty  desire.  Give  my  love  to  all 
who  know  me  among  those  who  shall  assemble  to  do  our  mother  honor, 
and  pour  out  my  libation  with  yours  upon  her  altar,  as  with  thanksgiv- 
ing you  review  the  past,  and  with  faith  and  hope  you  grasp  the  future. 
Take  a  firm  grasp  upon  a  long  future,  for  enlargement  for  Zion  in  influ- 
ence and  activity  is  surely  coming,  and  the  line  of  thought  and  doctrine 
that  shall  most  bring  in  and  balance  the  new  dispensation  is  that  of 
which  our  Alma  Mater  holds  the  conservative  wing. 

From  Judge  James  R.  Ludlow,  Philadelphia. 
"  Nothing  would  give  me  greater  pleasure  than  to  be  present  at  the 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxvii 

Centennial  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick  next  week. 
The  associations  of  the  past,  especially  as  they  are  linked  with  the 
name  of  my  revered  father,  all  urge  me  to  be  with  you,  but  I  am  assigned 
for  duty  in  the  Oyer  and  Terminer  of  this  County  for  trial  of  homicidal 
cases  all  of  next  week.  Official  duty  must,  especially  in  these  cases,  be 
first  performed,  and  as  I  can  see  no  way  in  which  I  can  adjourn  my 
court,  even  for  a  day,  I  am  obliged  to  decline  the  kind  invitation." 

From  Justice  Joseph  P.  Bradley,  oj  the  United  States  Supreme  Court. 

W.^SHINOTON,  October  20th.  1884. 

Dear  Sir — Your  letter  inviting  me  to  attend  the  Centennial  of  the 
Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick  is  received.  I  regret  that  the 
sitting  of  the  Court  at  that  time  will  prevent  me  from  doing  so.  The 
proposed  celebration  is  a  fitting  one  to  make.  The  Seminary  has  done 
a  great  and  good  work  in  the  hundred  years  that  are  gone.  It  has  given 
a  learned,  able  and  faithful  ministr)'^  to  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 
keeping  alive  therein  the  pure  light  of  evangelical  doctrine,  and  the  con- 
servative influences  which  have  characterized  it  from  its  origin.  Dis- 
carding wild  speculations  in  theology  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  dead 
formalism  of  mere  orthodoxy  on  the  other,  it  has  pursued  the  safe  mid- 
dle course  of  cultivating  and  disseminating  pure  scriptural  truth,  as 
pointed  out  and  emphasized  in  the  standards  of  the  Church,  as  the  best 
means  of  promoting  Christian  life  and  morals  ;  and  has  thus  preserved 
the  Church,  in  great  measure,  free  from  those  convulsions  and  aposta- 
sies which  have  troubled  some  other  denominations. 

This  great  service  has  been  due,  partly  to  the  traditions  and  formulas 
of  the  Church  itself,  partly  to  the  character  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
community,  to  which  the  Seminary  is  related  ;  and  greatly  to  the  per- 
sonal character  of  the  Professors,  from  Dr.  Livingston  down.  The  last 
has  been  a  factor  of  great  importance  ;  and  it  seems  to  me  due  to  that 
noble  array  of  eminent  men,  as  it  would  be  greatly  beneficial  to  the 
Church,  that  the  memory  of  their  services  should  be  recorded  in  a  col- 
lection of  biographical  memoirs,  a  work  which  might  fittingly  be  inau- 
gurated at  the  coming  Centennial,  and  distributed  amongst  those  most 
competent  to  execute  it. 

Those  arrant  Sibyls,  Memory  and  Tradition,  are  constantly  throwing 
their  interesting  volumes  to  the  flames,  and  warning  us  to  seize  the 
favorable  moment  for  preserving  the  past.  Thanking  you  for  the  kind 
invitation  which  you  have  extended  to  me,  and  again  expressing  my  re- 
gret at  not  being  able  to  accept,  I  am, 

Very  truly  yours,  JOSEPH  P.  BRADLEY. 

The  following  friendly  note  was  received  from  the  venerable 
Prof.  Hitchcock,  of  Union  Theological  Seminary  : 

New  York,  Oct.  25,  18S4. 
My  Dear  Dr.  De  Witt— Dr.  Prentiss,  the  alternate  of  Dr.  Hastings, 


xxxviii  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

will  probably  represent  us  at  your  Centennial  next  week.  I  desire  very 
much  to  be  there  myself,  but  I  cannot  be  away  from  here  just  now,  even 
for  a  day.     We  are  just  getting  fairly  settled  in  our  new  quarters. 

You  are  more  than  twice  as  old  as  we  are.  Permit  us  to  wish  you  joy 
of  your  green  old  age.  If  in  1936  our  record  shall  be  found  to  be  as 
honorable  as  yours  it  will  be  because  we,  and  those  who  come  after  us, 
have  had  the  Lord's  blessing  in  doing  the  Lord's  work. 

Yours  very  truly,  Roswell  D.  Hitchcock. 

Brief  letters  in  acknowledgment  of  personal  invitations  were 
received  also  from  Rev.  E.  R.  Craven,  D.D.,  of  Newark, 
Rev.  H.  C.  Applegarth,  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church,  New 
Brunswick,  J.  L.  Ludlow,  M.D.,  and  Mr.  Daniel  S.  Jones,  of 
Philadelphia,  Morris  Coster,  Esq.,  Editor  of  the  New  Amster- 
dam Gazette,  Mr.  Richard  Amerman,  and  Mr.  Maurice  E. 
Viele,  and  also  from  Mrs.  James  Suydam,  the  esteemed  relict 
of  one  of  our  Seminary's  most  generous  benefactors,  and 
from  Mrs.  Sandford  Cobb,  of  Tarrytown.  the  venerated 
mother  of  ministers,  and  the  widow  of  an  Elder  whose  name 
is  held  in  grateful  remembrance  in  the  Reformed  Church. 

Responses  from  Ecclesiastical  Bodies. 

Most  of  the  Classes  took  action  in  reference  to  the  Centen- 
nial, but  communications  have  been  received  from  the  follow- 
ing only  ;   the  rest  made  their  proceedings  simply  a  matter  of 

record. 

From  the  Classis  of  Schenectady. 

"  To  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America, 
on  her  Centennial  anniversary. 

"  The  Classis  of  Schenectady  send  greetings.  At  the  Autumn  meet- 
ing of  this  year  the  Ministers  of  this  classis  appointed  the  Rev.  D.  K. 
Van  Doren  a  delegate  to  represent  them  in  person  at  the  commemora- 
tive exercises  in  New  Brunswick,  and  a  committee  of  two  to  present 
their  felicitations  by  letter. 

This  Classis  prides  itself  in  its  historical  connection  with  the 
Seminary  of  our  Church.  It  is  an  Educatuvial  Classis,  for  the 
pastor  of  the  mother-church  in  Schenectady,  the  Rev.  Dirck  Romeyn, 
D.D.,  was  the  father  of  Union  College,  and  his  congregation  the  nourish- 
ing mother  of  the  same.  Further,  Dr.  Romeyn  was  one  of  the  first 
Lectors  and  Professors  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  and  not  a  few  of 
the  students  entering  the  ministry  of  the  Reformed  Church,  and  theo- 
logically trained  at  New  Brunswick,  have  hailed  from  the  bounds  of  our 
Classis. 


INTRODUCnON.  xxxix 

It  is  then  with  no  trivial  thought  or  shallow  emotion  that  we,  the  pas- 
tors and  elders  of  this  Classis  offer  our  hearty  prayers  for  the  continu- 
ance of  prosperity  to  our  Theological  Seminary.  May  she  wear  many 
another  century's  crown  of  honor  and  blessing,  with  constant  tokens  of 
the  Divine  presence  and  guidance. 

Though  we  as  a  Classis  furnished  for  her  ornament  and  service  not 
only  one  of  the  first  Lectors  and  Professors,  but  also  the  student  who 
has,  by  the  choice  of  the  Church,  been  made  her  latest  and  youngest 
Professor,  we  jiropose  in  the  future,  neither  to  stay  hand  nor  to  cease 
our  prayers  on  her  behalf. 
On  behalf  of  the  Classis  of  Schenectady,  cordially, 

William  Elliot  Griffis, 
Samuel  S.  Gamble. 

From  the  Classis  of  Kingston. 
Resolved,  That  two  members  of  this  Classis,  one  minister  and  one 
elder,  be  elected  to  represent  the  Classis  at  the  approaching  Centennial 
of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  and  that  as  many  more 
members  of  Classis,  both  ministers  and  elders,  attend,  as  may  find  it  con- 
venient to  do  so.  The  election  resulted  in  the  choice  of  Rev.  John  B. 
Church  and  the  elder  George  B.  Merrit." 

J.  F.  Harris.  Stated  Clerk. 

From  the  South  Classis  of  Bergen. 

Resolved,  That  the  South  Classis  of  Bergen  gratefully  acknowledges 
the  favor  and  loving  kindness  of  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  to  the 
Church  of  our  fathers  during  all  the  years  of  its  life,  and  especially  to  its 
School  of  the  Prophets  established  a  hundred  years  ago. 

Resoh'ed,  That  through  the  Committee  of  Arrangements  for  the  cele- 
bration of  the  Seminary  Centennial,  we  congratulate  the  Theological 
Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  on  the  attaining  of  this  great  age  under 
such  auspicious  circumstances. 

Resolved,  That  the  pastors  of  all  our  churches  be  requested  to  attend 
the  Centennial  exercises,  and  to  give  the  notice  of  the  same  from  their 
several  pulpits  on  next  Lord's  day,  urging  the  attendance  of  the  many 
friends  of  the  Seminary. 

Resolved,  That  the  attention  of  the  liberal  souls  among  us  be  called 
to  the  need  of  a  large  endowment  for  the  Institution,  and  to  the  pro- 
priety of  making  at  this  anniversary  a  thank-offering  to  the  Lord  in 
behalf  of  such  endowment." 

William  Rankin  Duryee,  Stated  Clerk. 

From  the  Classis  of  A^e7v    York. 
"  At  a  stated  meeting  of  Classis  held  this  day  the  following  persons 
were  appointed  to  represent  this  Classis  at  the  approaching  Centennial 
of  the  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  viz.:  Rev.  John  Forsyth,  D.D.,  Rev. 


Xl  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

James  Brownlee.  D.D.,  and  Elders  George  F.  Jackson  and  Horatio  P. 
Allen."  Abraham  Thompson, 

Stated  Clerk. 

Fro?ti  the  Collegiate  Dutch  ChitrcJi,  New  York. 
Dr.  Livingston  being  one  of  the  Pastors  of  this  church  at  the 
time  of  his  election  as  Professor,  and  Rev.  Hermanus  Meyer, 
D.D,,  being  pastor  of  th.e  churches  of  Totowa  (Paterson)  and 
Pompton  Plains  when  appointed  Professor  of  Hebrew,  special 
invitations  were  sent  to  the  Consistories  of  these  churches. 

The  Consistory  of  the  Collegiate  Church  responded  as  fol- 
lows : 

New  York,  Oct  20th,  1884. 
An  invitation  to  this  Consistory  to  attend  the  Centennial  of  the 
Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick  was  read,  whereupon  it  was  re- 
solved that  the  invitation  be  accepted,  and  that  a  committee,  consisting 
of  Rev.  Drs.  Chambers  and  Ormiston,  and  Messrs.  Smith,  Anderson, 
Little  and  Bussing  be  delegated  from  this  Consistory  to  attend  the  Cen- 
tennial of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick  next  week. 

From  the  Minutes, 

Geo.  S.  Stitt,  Clerk, 

The  following  interesting  paper  was  received  from  the  Hud- 
son River  Ministerial  Association : 

"  At  the  meeting  of  the  Hudson  River  Ministerial  Association,  held 
at  Rhinebeck,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  29th,  1884 — being  the  twentieth  anniversary  of 
its  organization — the  following  minute  was  adopted  : 

"  The  Hudson  River  Ministerial  Association,  a  very  large  proportion 
of  whose  members  are  graduates  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New 
Brunswick,  desires  to  record  its  grateful  recognition  of  the  Divine  favor 
to  this  beloved  Institution  through  one  hundred  years,  expressed  in  its 
increased  material  resources  ;  the  growing  number  of  its  graduates  ;  the 
strikingly  enlarged  corps  of  able  and  devoted  instructors,  with  new  de- 
partments of  study  for  the  more  thorough  furnishing  of  the  ministry  of 
our  Church  ;  all  of  which  make  especially  bright  and  hopeful  the  future 
of  this  School  of  the  Prophets. 

Resolved :  That  we  declare  our  warmest  interest  in  the  Centennial 
Anniversary  to  be  celebrated  on  the  28th  and  29th  of  October,  and  while 
commending  to  our  members  the  propriety  of  uniting  in  the  same,  we 
appoint  Rev.  F.  N.  Zabriskie,  D.D.,  to  represent,  and  bear  the  congratu- 
lations of,  our  Association  on  the  occasion." 


FIRST  REFORMED    (DUTCH)    CHURCH,    NEW   BRUNSWICK,    N.    J. 


f 


ADDRESS  OF  WELCOME 

BY    THE 

Rev.  Thomas  Chalmers  Easton,  D.D 

PASTOR 


FIRST    REFORMED    CHURCH 


V     AT 


NEW  BRUNSWICK,  N.  J. 


PRAY  ER 

Bv  Prof.  W.  V.  V.  Mabon,  D.D.,  LL.D. 

O  Thou  who  "  lovest  the  gates  of  Zion  more  than  all  the  dwellings 
of  Jacob,"  and  who  in  these  last  days  hast  set  up  the  everlasting  king- 
dom of  Thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ  in  its  present  spiritual  and  glorious 
form  :  gathering  up  as  we  do  the  memories  and  the  interests  of  the 
successive  ages  of  Thy  Church,  and  looking  back  to  its  early  founda- 
tions, its  past  conflicts  and  wonderful  deliverances,  we  desire  to  be 
found  in  the  exercise  of  ardent,  genuine,  believing  prayer  at  the  com- 
mencement of  these  services.  O  Lord,  we  thank  and  glorify  Thee  for 
Thine  all-sufficiency  and  faithfulness.  "  From  everlasting  to  everlast- 
ing Thou  art  God."  Ever  since  the  first  announcement  of  the  gospel 
in  the  garden,  down  through  the  successive  ages.  Thou  who  dost  gather 
the  outcasts  of  Israel,  hast  organized  that  kingdom  in  its  appointments^ 
in  its  offices,  in  its  graces  and  functions  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit ;  and  we 
thank  Thee  that  we  are  brought  historically  to-day  to  this  distinct  point 
and  period  in  which  we  can  look  back  and  measure  in  some  sense  the 
faithfulness  of  the  Lord.  We  thank  Thee,  O  Thou  God  of  faithfulness, 
for  all  the  ways  in  which  Thou  dost  conduct  Thy  people  and  bless 
them  ;  and  for  Thy  word  that  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against 
Thy  Church.  And  as  we  come  here,  the  representatives  of  the  fathers 
who  planted  this  seed  in  this  land,  we  desire  to  thank  Thee  that 
we  have  had  such  a  spiritual  ancestry.  We  would  look  back  this 
day  with  reverent  feelings,  with  deep  gratitude  for  their  devotion 
to  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  to  the  interests  of  humanity,  to  those  who. 
carrying  the  banner  of  the  cross,  and  proclaiming  the  gospel  of  Christ, 
laid  the  foundations  of  these  permanent  institutions,  and  by  their  ex- 
•ample,  by  their  beneficence,  by  their  personal  labors,  have  provided  a 
stream  of  successive  ministers  of  the  everlasting  gospel  with  the  living^ 
Word,  to  enter  into  the  recesses  of  the  hearts  of  men,  and  to  proclaim 
the  mind  and  will  of  our  Lord,  according  to  thine  own  appointment. 
As  we  stand  here  we  would  erect  our  stone  of  remembrance  and  help, 
and  we  would  inscribe  upon  it  "  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us.'" 
We  would  thank  Thee  for  all  those  saintly  men  whose  lives  have  beck- 
oned us  to  imitate  their  example,  to  do  as  they  have  done  ;  and  we 
pray  as  we  remember  these  things  to-day  that  we  may  be  stimulated 
to  every  good  effort.  In  view  of  this  occasion,  and  of  the  memoiies 
that  are  awakened,  not  only  among   the  aged,  but  in   the  bosoms  of 


4  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

those  who  have  come  back  to  the  dear  scenes  of  their  early  christian 
education,  of  all  the  influences  that  go  forth  from  the  solemn  assem- 
blies of  God's  people,  gathered  to  consult  for  the  good  of  His  church, 
it  is  our  united,  our  single  prayer  to  Thee,  that  Thou  wilt  give  Thy 
blessing  to  this  gathering,  to  every  form  of  counsel  and  purpose 
and  deliberation  of  the  church.  Great  God,  bless  our  denomination,  so 
that  through  all  our  borders  we  may  be  faithful  to  our  Lord  and  His 
dear  Church;  that  our  ministers  may  be  the  true  heralds  of  the  gospel  of 
salvation,  the  true  representatives  of  the  great  Prophet  and  Preacher  of 
His  people.  Throughout  all  our  churches  may  He  who  walks  amid  the 
golden  candlesticks  be  revealed  to  them.  His  visible  presence  and 
His  stately  steppings  be  seen,  His  spirit  lead  the  weak  to  become  strong, 
the  strong  to  be  made  influential  for  every  good  word  and  work,  the  min- 
istry, the  eldership,  and  the  membership,  all  to  show  the  power  of  a  fresh 
baptism  from  on  high.  Bless  our  denomination,  O  God,  together  with 
all  those  "who  name  the  name  of  Christ,  their  Lord  and  ours."  Bless 
to  us  this  gathering  of  our  churches,  that  we  may  find  our  minds  stim- 
ulated, our  souls  invigorated  for  usefulness ;  and  be  pleased  to  grant 
that  nothing  may  occur,  either  through  discord  or  mistake,  or  in  any 
other  way,  to  mar  the  harmony  of  all  these  arrangements  or  their  influ- 
ence for  present,  decided,  permanent,  and  perpetual  good.  Animate 
the  hearts  of  all  who  speak,  and  may  we  realize  that  where  we  have 
gathered  in  the  name  of  Christ  as  a  church,  the  Holy  Ghost  is  dwelling 
with  us.  We  ask  it  all  for  His  sake  who  taught  us  to  say,  "  Our  Father 
which  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed  be  Thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy 
will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily 
bread,  and  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead 
us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  for  Thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  forever.  Amen." 


ADDRESS  OF   WELCOME.     ' 

Mr.  President,  Professors  and  Students  of  the  Theological  Sem- 
inary, Fathers  and  Brethren  : 

Assembled  for  the  purpose  of  celebrating  the  One  Hundredth 
Anniversary  of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  our  beloved 
Church,  it  is  a  source  of  great  pleasure  to  me,  as  the  pastor  of 
this  historic  Zion,  to  extend  to  all  present  a  most  hearty  wel- 
come. 

In  the  name  of  our  Consistory  and  members,  and  also  of  the 
Second  Reformed  Church,  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hutton,  its  pastor, 
the  common  hospitalities  of  both  whose  congregations  you  are 
to  share  during  these  exercises,  accept  our  cordial  congratula- 
tions. We  are  grateful  that  you  have  responded  to  our  invita- 
tion to  meet  within  these  walls,  to  commemorate  that  sublime 
act  of  faith  on  the  part  of  the  fathers  of  the  church — the 
founding  of  our  Theological  Seminary  one  hundred  years  ago- 

It  is  peculiarly  appropriate  that  this  anniversary  should  be 
held  in  this  sanctuar}',  which  has  ever  stood  so  closely  identi- 
fied with  that  Institution,  since  the  da)'s  of  its  first  professor, 
that  mighty  prince  in  Israel,  LIVINGSTON!  He  laid  the  cor- 
ner-stone of  this  church,  and  preached  the  sermon  on  the  day 
of  its  dedication.  Here  also  he  worshiped,  and  often  pro- 
claimed the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.  Around  this  edifice, 
in  what  may  be  termed  our  Necropolis,  lies  the  redeemed  dust 
of  its  now  glorified  ministers,  and  of  professors — of  Harden- 
bergh,andCondict,and  Livingston,  and  Woodhull,and  DeWitt, 
and  Schureman,  and  Van  Bunschooten,  and  Ludlow,  and  Van 
Vranken,  and  Cannon,  and  Theodore  Frelinghuysen,  all  await- 
ing the  glorious  resurrection  of  the  saints.  Every  stone  in  this 
building,  if  given  a  voice,  could  speak  of  great  and  glorious 
truths  proclaimed  by  these  departed  prophets.  These  were 
the  men  who  prepared    for  the  church   an    educated   ministry, 


6  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

and  sent  them  forth  from  time  to  time  to  proclaim  the  Gospel 
of  Reconciliation  through  a  crucified,  risen  and  glorified  Re- 
deemer. 

We  welcome  you  to  our  homes  and  families,  whose  abundant 
cheer  will  make  your  visit  pleasant,  while  a  blessed  influence, 
we  are  sure,  will  be  left  on  us. 

We  welcome  you  because  you  represent  the  ecclesiastical 
strength  of  that  Church,  whose  growth  and  prosperity  have 
been  the  legitimate  fruits  of  the  theological  culture  received  at 
this  Institution. 

Our  Church  now  numbers  520  congregations,  549  ministers, 
45,398  families,  and  81,880  communicants.  These  cast  into 
the  Lord's  treasury  during  the  last  year  $1,158,573.  We  also 
have  a  record  of  716  Sabbath-schools,  v/ith  an  enrolled  member- 
ship of  over  91,000  children,  who  are  taught  and  indoctrinated 
in  the  saving  truths  of  the  Gospel,  as  formulated  in  our  stand- 
ards. We  sustain  to-day,  in  the  foreign  field — in  China,  India 
and  Japan — 39  churches  with  2,952  communicants,  whose  con- 
secration to  the  Lord  has  been  exhibited  by  their  large  contri- 
butions wherewith  to  plant  the  cross  in  the  still  denser 
darkness  of  heathenism.  A  Church  so  thoroughly  aggressive  in 
character,  missionary  in  spirit,  and  pure  in  doctrine,  bears  a 
marked  testimony  to  the  superior  spiritual  culture  of  our  Theo- 
logical Seminary. 

During  the  century  there  have  gone  forth  from  this  institu- 
tion 768  ministers.  They  preach  the  faith  under  that  system 
which  recognizes  most  fully  and  clearly  (lod's  absolute 
sovereignty,  and  man's  entire  dependence  ;  which  declares 
emphatically  the  whole  iiible  to  be  the  word  of  God  ;  which 
presents  these  living  Oracles  as  the  only  infallible  rule  of  faith 
and  practice  ;  which  plants  that  banner  upon  the  massive  and 
majestic  towers  she  has  raised  against  false  doctrines  and  a  false 
morality.  It  is  this  system  which  guards  on  every  side  the  fold 
of  Christ  from  the  cunningly  devised  fables  which  a  soulless 
rationalism  and  a  heartless  scepticism  have  propagated  to  un- 
dermine the  Church  and  deceive  the  world.  Christ  crucified, 
risen,  ascended,  has  been  the  centre  and  circumference  of  the 
theology  emanating  from  this  Institution.  It  was  these  same 
truths  for  which  eighteen  thousand  suffered  martyrdom  under 


ADDRESS  OF   WELCOME.  7 

tlic  monster  Alva,  in  the  fatherland  ;  for  which  more  than  eigh- 
teen thousand,  during  the  Marian  era,  dyed  the  heather  hills  of 
Scotland  with  their  blood.  We  are  convened  at  a  time  when 
the  thought  of  the  theological  world  seems  to  be  in  a  state  of 
flux;  when  under  the  catch-words  of  "  Higher  Criticism,"  "  Un- 
fettered Inquiry,"  and  "  Liberal  Thought,"  the  Mosaic  record  is 
discredited  ;  the  vicarious  atonement  by  the  sacrifice  on  Cal- 
vary, a  doctrine  of  the  shambles;  while  to  every  rejector  of 
grace,  probation  is  extended  beyond  the  grave,  so  that  the 
finally  impenitent  here  may  rise  "  through  some  other  schools  " 
yonder,  into  the  light  and  glories  of  the  eternal  Paradise. 

Now,  if  ever,  there  is  needed  a  clearer  re-assertion  of  the 
doctrines  of  the  Reformation.  These  bear  unequivocal  testi- 
mony to  the  great  essentials,  such  as  the  Trinity,  the  inspira- 
tion of  the  Bible,  creation,  providence,  the  fall  of  man  ;  to 
the  freedom  and  responsibility  of  man  ;  to  the  incarnation, 
atonement  and  mediation  of  the  Son  of  God  ;  to  the  mission 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  the  calling  and  regeneration  of  the  people 
of  God,  involving,  indeed,  all  the  benefits  of  the  Covenant  of 
Grace,  such  as  justification,  adoption,  sanctification,  good 
works,  perseverance  ;  to  the  sanctity  of  the  Sabbath  ;  to  the 
sanctity  of  marriage;  to  the  second  coming  of  Christ,  the  gen- 
eral resurrection  and  judgment,  and  a  state  of  unending  re- 
wards and  punishments.  Rooted  and  grounded  in  the  divine 
verity  of  these  fundamental  doctrines,  our  School  has  sent 
forth  the  sons  of  the  church,  after  a  full  course  of  study,  to  de- 
fend and  uphold  these  doctrines,  which  are  also  the  doctrines 
of  our  standards.  These,  in  the  language  of  the  Reformers, 
constitute  the  mcnsura  inejistiraia,  while  the  Bible,  as  the  in- 
spired word  of  God,  remains  the  mensura  mensurans.  Testi- 
mony to  the  truth  has  ever  called  for  heroism  of  a  sublime 
order.  God's  grandest  and  most  valiant  heroes  have  been  the 
heroes  of  the  Cross.  Garbett,  in  his  "  Dogmatic  Faith,"  says  : 
"  No  dim  vagueness  of  impression,  no  feeble  uncertainty  of 
conviction,  no  faltering  grasp  of  truth,  no  coward's  timidity  in 
maintaining  and  confessing  it,  become  those  who  are  inherit- 
ors of  the  faith  of  prophets  and  apostles.  The  hero's  strength 
and  martyr's  constancy  are  no  less  taxed  in  the  sphere  of  belief 
than  of  practice.     God  himself  appeals  to  them  :  '  Be  no  more 


8  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

children  tossed  to  and  fro,  and  carried  about  with  every  wind 
of  doctrine,' but  '  watch  ye  ;  stand  fast  in  the  faith  ;  quit  you 
like  men  ;  be  strong.'  " 

Beyond  all  controversy,  there  is  more  vital  strength  and 
aggressive  force  in  these  ancient  symbols  of  our  faith  than  in 
all  the  clap-trap  novelties  combined  of  the  "  New  Theology."^ 
These  doctrines  which  nourished  the  church  a  century  ago  can 
still  be  made  so  powerful  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  so  invigorating 
and  comforting  to  the  soul,  so  effective  in  promoting 
awakenings  and  revivals,  so  inspiring  to  "  the  sacramental  host 
of  God's  elect,"  as  to  flash  upon  the  soul  like  new  revelations 
from  heaven,  thrilling  the  immortal  bemg  as  by  a  beatific  vision, 

I  am  not  unmindful  how  many  precious  memories  must  come 
floating  around  this  house,  this  pulpit,  this  communion-table, 
of  so  many  sacred  scenes.  Here  many  of  you  sealed  your 
covenant  to  be  the  Lord's  forever,  as  in  the  Holy  Eucharist 
you  remembered  the  love  of  the  Redeemer,  who  crimsoned 
the  cross  for  the  redemption  of  your  souls.  Oh  !  how  often 
has  memory  fondly  reverted  to  this,  your  spiritual  birth-place 
and  home.  Let  the  warm,  maternal  heart  that  throbs  with 
undying  love  for  all  her  children,  bid  you  a  tender,  tearful, 
affectionate  welcome. 

But  I  close  these  congratulations,  remembering  that  we  meet, 
not  to  glorify  the  past,  however  grandly  and  nobly  the  sons  of 
this  Institution  may  have  served  the  church,  the  nation,  the 
world  ;  however  prosperously  this  school  of  the  prophets  may 
have  held  on  its  course  these  hundred  years ;  however 
graciously  Providence  has  thrown  over  it  its  protecting  shield  ; 
however  ably  its  learned  professors  may  have  served  its  in- 
terests; however  munificent  its  endowments  may  have  been,, 
and  however  timely  bestowed.  No!  institutions  cannot  live 
upon  mere  renown.  No  matter  what  fame  or  splendor  may 
cluster  around  our  past,  we  have  a  future  to  live  for.  It  is  ours 
to  plan  greater  achievements  for  God  and  his  Church.  If  there 
shall  be  an  enlarged  consecration  of  wealth  to  uphold  what  has 
already  been  done,  and  to  bring  to  fruition  the  plans  now  un- 
der consideration  ;  if  the  vigor,  enterprise  and  push  of  the 
Young  Child  of  the  West,  raising  so  quickly  in  her  poverty 
$27,000,  shall  stimulate  the  alumni  of  our  Eastern   Institution 


ADDRESS   OF   WELCOME.  9 

to  raise  at  once  $100,000  more  for  increased  endowment  here 
at  New  Brunswick  ;  then  am  I  certain  that  this  dear  old  mother 
church  will  shout  for  joy  and  gladness. 

And  why  not  crown  the  opening  of  our  second  century  with 
a  grand  endowment,  and  place  our  Theological  Seminary  in 
the  front  rank  of  all  kindred  institutions  in  our  growing 
Republic  ?  Thus  equipped,  we  shall  be  able  to  do  a  much 
larger  share  of  the  work  of  sending  forth  a  pure  gospel  for  the 
evangelization  of  our  land,  and  of  bringing  the  world  to  the  feet 
of  Christ. 

At  the  memorable  battle  of  Ivry,"  when  King  Henry  rode 
past  his  troops,  he  charged  them  to  remember 

"  Seine's  empurpled  flood, 
And  good  Coligni's  hoary  hair  all  dabbled  with  his  blood  ;  " 

then  facing  the  advancing  hosts  led  by  Mayenneand  D'Aumale, 
he  cried  out  : 

"  Press  where  you  see  my  white  plume  shine. 
Amid  the  ranks  of  war  ; 
Be  this  your  oriflamme  to-day — 
The  helmet  of  Navarre." 

Victory  perched  upon  their  banners ;  the  St.  Bartholomew 
massacre  was  avenged  ;  the  tyrant  was  crushed  in  the  dust, 
and  the  enemies  of  God  suffered  His  righteous  vengeance. 

As  the  soldiers  of  a  Heavenly  King,  may  we  follow  wherever 
the  banner,  the  snow-white  banner  of  the  Cross,  as  the 
oriflamme  of  His  Sacramental  Host,  shall  wave.  Let  our  watch- 
word along  the  line  be 

Nisi  Frustra  Dominus; 
nor  let  us  rest  before  every  foe  bows  the  knee  to  our  enthroned 
Immanuel : 

"  Till  o'er  our  ransomed  nature 
The  Lamb  for  sinners  slain. 
Redeemer,  King,  Creator, 
In  bliss  returns  to  reign." 

Fathers  and  Brethren,  accept  these  hearty  congratulations, 
and  our  most  cordial  welcome  to  celebrate  with  us  the  Centen- 
nial of  our  School  of  the  Prophets — the  Theological  Seminary 
of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America. 


♦  Marcli  14,  1590,  under  Henry  IV. 


RESPONSE 

BY    THE 

Rev.  David  Cole,   D,D 

PRESIDENT 

OF 

THE  GENERAL  SYNOD. 


RESPONSE. 

My  Dear  Brother  : 

On  behalf  of  this  representative  convocation  of  the  friends  of 
our  Church  and  its  Theological  Seminary,  I  thank  you  for  your 
eloquent  greeting,  and  accept  your  cordially  proffered  welcome 
to  the  hospitalities  of  the  churches  and  the  families  of  this  city. 
Perhaps  most  of  your  guests  know  New  Brunswick  hearts  and 
homes  too  well  to  need  to  be  told  of  the  kindness  of  the  one 
or  the  magnetism  of  the  other.  Yet  we  are  not  insensible,  as 
we  meet  on  this  Centennial  occasion,  to  the  inspiration  of  a 
heartily  expressed  welcome  from  the  authorities  of  this  ancient 
church.  And  it  comes  to  us  with  all  the  more  of  pleasurable 
thrill  from  the  lips  of  one  who,  though  a  comparatively  recent 
accession  to  our  ministerial  ranks,  has  already  distinguished 
himself  among  us  for  manly  cordiality  of  heart,  genuine  de- 
votion to  the  institutions  and  usages  of  our  Reformed  Church, 
eminent  pulpit  ability  and  pastoral  success,  and  vigorous  up- 
holding of  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints.  We  look 
upon  you,  my  brother,  as  one  of  our  representative  men,  and 
are  glad  just  now  to  receive  our  welcome  to  New  Brunswick 
direct  from  this  church,  and  its  eldest  daughter,  the  Second 
Church,  through  you,  our  dear  brother  in  the  Lord.  These 
time-honored  walls  look  down  on  us,  and  the  old  cemetery 
around  them  speaks  to  us,  from  the  historic  past.  We  are 
grateful  for  the  ministerial  succession  that  has  adorned  the 
pulpit  of  this  church,  for  the  many  noble  names  that  have 
lengthened  out  its  official  rolls,  and  for  the  younger  organiza- 
tions, one,  two,  and  prospectively  three,  that  now  own  and 
cherish  it  as  their  venerable  head.  We  recognize  them  and  all 
other  New  Brunswick  churches  as  sharing  in  the  welcome  you 
have  just  extended.  From  this  church  and  its  homes  not 
only,  from  the  churches  of  our  own  order  and  their  homes  not 


14  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

only,  but  from  all  the  churches  and  all  the  homes  of  the  city,  we 
are  glad  to  learn  from  you  that  our  welcome  comes,  and  comes 
not  for  ourselves  alone,  but  for  our  guests  of  other  Seminaries 
and  Churches  who  honor  us  with  their  presence  now.  We  re- 
turn your  kind  words  with  the  warm  response  of  loving  hearts^ 
and  receive  your  welcome  as  offered  in  the  name  of  our  com- 
mon Lord. 

The  programme  of  our  Centennial  has  been  carefully  pre- 
pared. It  promises  a  series  of  papers  from  men  whose  names 
are  a  pledge  that  healthful  direction  will  be  given  to  our 
thoughts.  There  will  be  opportunity,  however,  for  extem- 
porary speaking  during  our  sessions  and  recesses.  In  the  brief 
minutes  allowed  me  for  this  formal  paper,  may  I  venture  to 
lay  before  my  brethren  suggestions  which  have  pressed  upon 
me  while  these  hours  have  been  approaching?  They  are 
drawn,  first,  from  a  danger  of  which  my  own  mind  is  conscious 
from  its  natural  temperament ;  and  secondly,  from  earnest  con- 
sideration of  what  I  think  is  due  to  the  honor  of  our  Lord  and 
to  the  present  condition  and  needs  of  the  world  and  the 
Church. 

I.  The  danger  to  be  guarded  against  in  this  celebration  is 
that  of  unduly  magnifying  the  past  as  a  record  of  human 
achievement.  We  can  hardly  confine  our  thoughts  on  an  oc- 
casion like  this  to  the  one  century  of  our  Theological  Seminary. 
We  have  behind  us  as  a  church  more  than  three  hundred  years 
of  history,  than  which  none  other  is  more  crowded  with 
triumph  and  glory.  We  can  point  to  a  story  of  past  sufferings,, 
a  record  of  past  deeds,  and  a  roll  of  past  names,  well  fitted  to 
stir  the  liveliest  enthusiasm  in  our  hearts  as  loyal  sons  of  the 
Church.  And  we  umst  draw  upon  our  past.  One  of  the  ends 
of  our  assembling  is  to  commemorate  it.  It  vmst  be  recalled 
and  rehearsed  to  coming  men.  The  only  danger  to  us  lies  in 
a  possibility  of  overmagnifying  the  human  agencies  it  has  em- 
ployed, and  of  overlooking  its  divine  providences  and  the  far- 
reaching  ends  to  which  these  providences  have  always 
been  guiding.  There  is  in  different  minds  a  tendency  to  two 
opposite  extremes  of  misjudgment  in  regard  to  the  past.  Some 
seem  to  find  intense  enthusiasm  in  the  study  of  it,  while  others 


RESPONSE,  15 

regard  time  spent  upon  it  as  thrown  away,  and  insist  that  the 
only  practical  wisdom  is  to  think  of  the  present  and  the  future. 
My  own  feeling  is,  that  the  past  is  unspeakably  practical  and 
profitable  as  a  field  for  the  study  of  God's  wonder-working. 
They  who  learn  from  it  the  Name  He  has  made  for  himself  will 
put  their  trust  in  his  covenant  pledges,  and  grow  in  confidence 
that  every  word  He  has  spoken  will  be  fulfilled.  Our  Centen- 
nial must  be  a  commemoration.  We  should  be  ungrateful  not 
to  recall  the  loving  kindness  of  God  in  His  temple.  The  men 
of  the  past  must  be  called  up,  the  doings  of  the  past  must  be 
rehearsed,  and  the  foundations  of  the  past  must  be  pointed  to 
and  emphasized.  But  the  end  of  all  this  must  be  to  bring  to 
light  and  magnify  the  providence  and  grace  of  God,  and  to 
stimulate  the  faith  and  the  hope  and  the  courage  of  the  Church 
for  its  coming  work.  If  we  bear  these  thoughts  in  mind,  we 
shall  be  sure  to  turn  our  Centennial  to  the  highest  good,  and 
to  find  that  we  have  committed  no  mistake. 

2.  If  we  can  only  keep  our  minds  upon  the  providences  of  God 
rather  than  upon  the  glorification  of  human  agencies,  we  shall 
find  much  in  the  progress  of  our  literary  and  theological  institu- 
tions which  we  can  recall  with  great  encouragement.  The  early 
history  of  both  our  College  and  our  Seminary  was  one  of  re- 
markable struggle.  In  thoughtfully  reviewing  it  just  now  as  a 
preparation  for  this  Centenary,  I  have  been  more  than  ever 
before  filled  with  wonder  at  the  fact  of  their  continued  life 
during  their  first  fifty  years.  Those  of  our  own  people  who 
have  not  taken  pains  to  inform  themselves  of  their  early  trials 
ought  to  do  so  without  delay,  that  they  may  learn  what 
God  has  done  for  them  in  the  past,  and  thus  gather  inspiration 
and  courage  for  the  duty  they  owe  them  now.  Even  the  his- 
tory of  our  Church  in  Holland  during  the  century  preceding 
the  discovery  of  the  island  of  Manhattan  and  the  founding  of 
New  Amsterdam,  has  not  been  kept  steadily  enough  before 
our  people.  It  had  been  a  century  of  baptism  with  blood.  It 
is  not  at  the  time  when  such  a  baptism  is  descending  that  the 
world  can  read  its  meaning  and  promise  as  a  providence  of 
God,  The  preparatory  bearing  of  the  experiences  of  our  Hol- 
land people  during  the  sixteenth  century  upon  the  coloniza- 
tion and  development  of  these  United  States,  could  not  even 


16  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

be  understood  during  the  first  two  hundred  years  of  the  history 
of  New  York.     In  fact  it  was  not  till  after   1800  that  a  clear 
perception  of  the  relation  of  those  experiences   to   the   subse- 
quent history  of  the  Church  and  of  the  world  could  be  reached. 
The    Holland  scholars  and    statesmen,  whom  we    are    accus- 
tomed to  recall  with    pride   for  their  learning,  their  sagacity, 
their  fidelity  and  their  patriotism,  were  simply  the  instruments 
divinely  raised  up  to  execute  a   far-reaching  plan,  whose  out- 
working helped  to  give  to  this  land  and  its  Church   the  peace 
and    prosperity  of    to-day.     And  the    same  remarks    may  be 
made  in  reference  to  those  events  of  little  more    than  a  hun- 
dred years  ago,  which  preceded  the  founding,  first  of  our  Col- 
lege, and  then  of  the  Theological  Seminary  whose  first  century 
of  life  terminates  now.    The  country  was  new,  the  people  were 
weak,  the  Church  had  been  almost   torn   asunder  by  internal 
dissensions  growing  out  of  its  own  self-effort  to   throw  off  the 
foreign  spirit  and  become  American.     And  to   crown   all  this, 
the  Revolution  was  at  hand  and  actually  came.      It  was  amid 
all  these  discouraging  conditions   that  the  men  arose,  whose 
names,  headed  by  that  of  the   illustrious  Livingston,  are  so 
distinguished  in  the  annals  of  the  Church,  and  so  cherished  in 
the  hearts  of  all  our  thoughtful  people.      But  these  men  were 
not  accidents.      They  were  providences.       Every  successive 
step  in  the  unfolding  of  God's  great  purposes  with   the  world 
and  the  Church  has  brought  on  His  man  or  His  men  for  place 
and  work.    What  was  the  wisdom  of  the  Coetus,  or  that  of  the 
Conferentie,  or  that   of  the  American  Classis,  or  that  of  the 
Particular  Synod,  or  even  that  of  the   finally  formed   General 
Synod    itself?      The  records  of  each  in  its  turn,  as  we  read 
them,    reveal   a    perpetual   perplexity.      Over   the    question 
whether  we  should  unite  with  Princeton  or  form  independent 
institutions,  over  the  question  whether  we  should   locate  in 
New  York,  at  Hackensack,  at  Schenectady,  or  at   New  Bruns- 
wick, over  questions  of  organization,  over  questions  of  finance 
and  building,  over  the  relations  of  the  Trustees  and  the  Gen- 
eral Synod,  over  things  little  and  things  great,  all   minds  were 
unspeakably  perplexed.      Yet  throughout  the  perplexity  God 
kept  up  the  sparks  of  life.      And   it  was  through   compromise 
after  compromise  that  these  institutions  were  at  last  brought 


RESPONSE.  17 

into  being  and  subsequently  maintained.  As  many  a  sermon 
is  not  developed  from  a  prearranged  analysis,  but  wrought  out 
line  by  line  from  the  end  of  a  pen,  so  it  was  with  the  growth 
of  these  institutions  till  within  a  comparatively  recent  period. 
No  one  seemed  at  any  time  to  see  a  year  in  advance.  All 
had  to  feel  and  even  grope  their  way.  These  institutions  were 
preeminently  the  children  of  special  providence.  And  the 
fathers,  from  Dr  Livingston  down,  those  who  did  the  think- 
ing, those  who  brought  order  and  harmony  out  of  dissensions 
and  disputes,  those  who  did  the  giving,  were  all  men  expressly 
raised  up  for  the  times.  It  is  to  recall  these  men  and  their 
periods,  and  to  trace  the  continued  life  of  these  institutions, 
especially  that  of  the  Seminary,  and  study  the  bearing  of 
their  past  history  upon  their  later,  their  present  and  their 
prospective  power,  that  we  meet  just  now\  If  the  key  note  of 
our  assembling  shall  be  that  of  admiration  of  the  Divine  won- 
der-working, if  we  shall  use  our  history  for  the  glor)'  of  God 
and  for  the  kindling  of  our  gratitude  for  His  love  and  grace 
as  shown  in  our  continued  life,  and  in  the  successes  which  have 
marked  our  later  experience,  we  shall  be  benefited  by  our 
coming  together,  and  the  end  which  I  am  sure  we  all  desire 
will  be  reached,  viz.,  the  encouragement  of  our  own  hearts  for 
further  sacrifice  and  work. 

Lastly.  The  practical  effect  of  turning  more  toward  God  than 
toward  man  in  this  commemoration  ought  to  be  to  stimulate 
us  at  once  to  more  intelligent  zeal  and  activity  in  behalf  of 
these  inseparably  united  institutions.  As  we  meet  in  New 
Brunswick  at  the  end  of  the  first  hundred  years  of  our  Semi- 
nary, we  find  the  Seminary  far  advanced  in  equipment  for 
noble  work.  Within  the  last  four  decades  especially,  endow, 
ment  has  set  toward  it,  till  now  we  find  it  in  possession  of 
separate  and  adequate  buildings  and  grounds,  with  a  library 
rapidly  growing  to  first  rank  for  the  number  and  character  and 
accommodation  of  its  volumes,  with  five  professorial  chairs 
all  nobly  filled,  and  with  an  outfit  of  professorial  dwellings 
which  need  not  be  surpassed.  These  are  great  results  reached. 
And  for  the  benefactors  whose  large  gifts  have  secured  them  to  us, 
we  are  now  called  upon  to  express  fervent  gratitude  to  God.  And 
still  our  Seminary  has  not   yet  passed  beyond  its  day  of   need. 


18  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Even  as  to  endowment,  it  is  not  yet  established.  Two  only 
of  our  professorial  chairs  are  fully  endowed.  Three  of  them 
still  continue  in  a  tryingly  struggling  condition.  This  fact  has 
long  been  a  fruitful  source  of  perplexity  to  our  General  Synod, 
and  to  many  of  the  Seminary's  deeply  devoted  friends.  To 
the  details  of  this  still  remaining  weakness  in  our  foundation, 
the  attention  of  friends  present  and  of  the  Church  in  general 
will  doubtless  be  pointedly  called  during  these  two  days.  I 
speak  of  it  now  as  a  fact,  to  the  prompt  facing  of  which  the 
Church  ought  to  be  quickened  as  a  result  of  this  Centennial. 
But  this  is  not  the  only  want  of  the  Seminary.  Its  great 
appeal  is  for  a  warmer  nestling  place  in  the  heart  of  the  Church. 
We  love  it.  But  it  needs  more  of  our  practical  heart.  These 
New  Brunswick  Institutions  fairly  and  fully  represent  the  essen- 
tial genius  and  spirit  of  our  Reformed  denomination.  They 
are  entitled  not  only  to  its  hearty  financial  support,  but  to  be 
cherished  among  our  congregations  and  magnified  in  our  homes. 
More  even  than  they  need  the  Church's  money  do  they  need 
the  Church's  sons.  Through  the  persistent  favor  of  God  upon 
us,  we  have  come  now  to  possess  within  this  city  two  of  the 
most  effective  institutions  in  America  for  imparting  first  a 
collegiate,  and  secondly  a  theological  education.  It  is  impossi- 
ble to  secure  within  our  western  world  a  more  thorough  liter- 
ary culture,  a  more  eminently  safe  moral  training,  and  a  more 
comprehensive  preparation  for  the  miriistry  than  these  two  in- 
stitutions will  give.  To  speak  especially  of  our  Seminary,  as 
this  is  peculiarly  its  occasion,  I  believe  in  it,  in  its  men,  in  its 
genius,  in  its  curriculum,  and  in  its  solidly  progressive  charac- 
ter. We  do  indeed  live  in  a  peculiar  age.  The  Scriptures 
both  of  the  Old  and  the  New  Testaments  are  boldly  chal- 
lenged. Apostolic  foundations  are  attacked.  Reformation 
formularies  are  ridiculed  and  scorned.  Science  seeks  to  under- 
mine the  old  Christian  faith.  Materialistic  and  agnostic 
theories  bid  for  the  intellects  and  the  credence  of  men  young  and 
old.  In  the  midst  of  all  this  experience  what  shall  we  do? 
I  believe  in  standing  by  the  old  guns.  I  have  no  idea  that  the 
truth  will  ever  find  a  better  instrumentality  for  its  own  defence 
than  its  own  clear  self-statement,  growing  out  of  masterly 
Biblical  exegesis,  and  illumined  by  the  lights  of  that  history, 


RESPONSE.  19 

along  whose  unfolding  pathway  it  had  its  progressive  develop- 
ment. No  Church  ever  had  a  Seminary  at  once  more  wisely 
conservative  and  more  safely  progressive  than  ours.  What  we 
want  now  are  the  grandmothers  and  the  mothers  in  every 
line  to  bring  along  the  boys  in  the  knowledge  of  the  word  of 
God,  and  to  predestine  them  (is  that  too  strong  a  word  ?) 
through  a  special  training  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry.  Our  denomination  is  not  large,  but  we  have 
all  the  boys  and  young  men  we  need  to  crowd  these  valuable 
schools,  and  come  up  through  them  into  our  pulpits.  I  deeply 
feel  that  this  occasion  will  fail  of  its  highest  end  if  it  does  not 
take  into  view  the  growing  need  of  our  Church  for  more  and 
stronger  men  in  her  home  pulpits  and  her  mission  fields. 
Brethren,  the  wants  of  the  great  world  around  us  and  abroad 
press  on  anxious  hearts.  They  are  expanding  every  day. 
And  yet  the  Church  seems  painfully  torpid.  Oh.  that  the 
spirit  of  supplication  might  fall  upon  this  assembly  and  upon 
God's  people  everywhere  !  Is  there  any  event  for  which 
the  Church  has  more  need  just  now  to  long  and  pray  than  for 
a  Pentecostal  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  To  what  quar- 
ter must  we  look  for  the  breaking  forth  of  a  new  life? 
Beloved  friends,  the  world  must  be  taken  for  Christ !  Oh,  for 
a  new  birth  in  Eisleben,  a  new  inspiration  from  Wittemberg, 
a  new  word  from  some  Luther  at  Worms  to  thrill  the  Church  ! 
Oh  for  clarion  tones  from  valiant  leaders  in  seminaries,  pulpits, 
elders'  seats  and  private  pews,  to  bid  the  sons  and  daughters 
of  the  Lord  go  forward  !  We  look  at  the  greatness  of  the 
demands  made  upon  us.  We  look  at  the  obstacles  we  meet 
in  the  way.  Let  us  change  our  course  in  this  respect,  and 
turn  our  eyes  and  thoughts  to  our  Lord's  command,  and  es- 
pecially to  his  word  :  "  Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto 
the  end  of  the  world."  Our  College  and  our  Seminary  must 
be  sustained.  Our  missions  must  go  forward.  Let  us  be 
faithful  with  what  we  have  of  means  and  power.  What  is 
that  in  thine  hand  ?  Only  a  rod  ?  No  matter.  Use  it.  With 
vigorous  faith  behind  it,  it  will  part  seas,  throw  down  walls, 
paralyze  foes.  Why?  Because  Omnipotence  is  with  it,  both 
for  thy  work  and  thee.  Let  the  only  word  to  which  the 
Church  will  listen  be — "  Whatsoever  He  saith  unto   thee,  do 


20  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

it  !"  Faith  and  obedience  will  turn  rivers  aside,  pierce  moun- 
tains, bridge  gulfs,  break  down  armies,  and  achieve  what  to 
nature  are  impossibilities.  "  Oh  Lord,  increase  our  faith  !" 
"Lord,  we  believe;  help  thou  our  unbelief!"  This  be  our 
prayer  as  we  go  forward  to  and  in  our  Master's  work.  And 
surely  as  He  lives  and  reigns,  His  victory  will  come  and  we 
shall  share  the  glory  of  it.  This  great  round  world  will  fall 
into  our  embrace,  and  it  will  be  our  joy  of  joys  to  hand  it 
over  as  a  trophy  of  His  own  victorious  grace,  into  the  arms  of 
Him  who  bought  us  with  His  precious  blood,  and  whose  we 
are  and  whom  we  love  to  serve.  The  kingdoms  of  this  world 
shall  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  His  Christ.  We 
know  it,  and  we  ought  to  feel  it  more,  and  wait  for  it  more  long- 
ingly than  they  who  all  through  weary  nights  keep  watching  for 
the  morning.  The  triumphs  of  our  Conquering  King  will  be  His 
Church's  triumphs  too.  Will  not  our  faith  and  hope  take  in 
this  certain  truth  while  He  is  speeding  on  the  glorious  day  ? 


HISTORICAL  theology: 


ADDRESS 


Prof.SamuelM.Woodbridge,D.D,,LL.D 


DEAN   OF  THE  SEMINARY. 


HISTORICAL  THEOLOGY. 

It  may  be  thought,  as  the  speaker  is  appointed  to  represent 
the  Theological  Faculty,  that  a  more  general  subject  than  His- 
torical Theology  might  have  been  chosen  for  consideration  ;  but 
we  are  assured  that  from  this  advanced  position,  as  from  an 
eminence,  a  view  may  be  obtained  of  the  whole  field  we  are  now 
called  upon  to  survey,  and  we  may  discern  whether  we  have 
made  deflections  from  the  right  path,  and  also,  whether  there 
are  before  us  possible  and  even  probable  dangers. 

THEOLOGY  HISTORICAL. 
We  regard  both  words  as  intensely  emphatic.  The  Re- 
formed Church  is  to  be  congratulated,  that  in  this  centennial 
year  it  has  formally  instated  Theology  in  its  true  position  in 
the  Seminary  Curriculum  ;  for  we  hope  the  ministry  and  elder- 
ship and  professors  alike  understand  the  significance  of  the 
decision  which  proclaims  Theology  the  central  thing,  not  in 
one  department,  but  in  all  the  departments — the  centre  of 
unity  in  the  Institution.  And  by  Theology  we  mean  not 
that  vague,  misleading  thing  which  includes  in  its  definition 
the  sciences  and  philosophies,  the  histories  of  alphabets,  the 
archaeologies  of  the  nations,  and  other  subjects  which  are  but 
relatively  important ;  much  less  the  "  Lives  of  Jesus  "  in  which 
the  first  principle  is  that  Jesus  never  existed;  nor  the  study  of 
a  Bible  which,  although  infallible,  contains  errors,  inspired  by 
the  Holy  Ghost,  yet  studied  as  human,  so  that  the  suspi- 
cion might  almost  be  justified  that  soon  will  be  evolved  Lec- 
tures on  Atheistic  Divinity.  We  understand  that  the  Church 
means  by  Theology,  the  doctrines  of  the  living  God  ;  that 
God  shall  be  the  central  truth  in  all  studies  ;  God  the  light, 
the  glory,  the  end  of  all  researches;  God  the  constant  and 
necessary  instructor  in  the  interpretation  of  His  Word.  There 
must  be  a  present  vital,  conscious  connection  between  God 
and  the  soul  in  any  true  theological   study.     We  understand 


34  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

this   to   be   the    meaning   of  the    Reformed    Church :    and   it 
is  but    reasonable,  if  from  schools  of  painting   there  should 
come  forth  painters,  and   from   schools  of  astronomy,  astrono- 
mers, that    from    schools  of  Theology  should  graduate   theolo- 
gians.    With  the  ministry  of  the  Church  of  Christ  this  is  their 
specialty,  the  one  thing  for  which  they  are  called  and  anointed, 
and  from  which  they   can    be    diverted  only  by  a    betrayal  of 
their  trust.     And    not  one  day  too    soon    has    the  Reformed 
Church  proclaimed  that  Exegesis — the  doctrine  in  its  sources — 
is  Theological.     Not  the  first  chapter  of  Genesis,  not  the  first 
verse,  not  the  first  word  in  the  Book  can    be   studied  without 
contact  with  the  vast  thoughts  of  God.     "  In  the  beginning  " 
brings  us   face   to  face  with  eternity,  the  mighty  sphere — the 
very  atmosphere — in  which  our  religion  lives  and  breathes  and 
has   its  being,  as  the  world  exists  and  moves  in  the  immensity 
of  space.   Eternity!  not  the  barren,  although  necessary  thought 
of  the    philosophers,  but    the  dwelling-place  of  Jehovah,  and 
from  whence   He  shines  forth  in  the  splendors  of  creation  and 
providence  and   redemption.     The  Old   Testament  as  well  as 
the  New  is  full  of  God ;  and  it  is  the  work  of  the  exegete  to 
behold,  as  in  a  glass,  the  divine  glory.     That  is  the  one  object 
of  his  search  ;  and  when  that  is  revealed  to  him  all  labor  be- 
comes  sacred,  and  the  very  drudgery  of  study  is  forgotten  in 
the  joy  which  is  set  before  him.     The  Old  Testament  is  full  of 
God  ;  its  language  is  His,  striking  its  roots  back  into  remote 
centuries,  possibly  even  to  Eden.     It  grew  to  its  completion, 
and  then   it  stood   a  tree  of  life,  its  leaves  for  the  healing  of 
the  nations;  a  finished  creation,  not  another  leaf  to  be  added, 
consecrated   for  evermore.     Its  words  have  in  them  a  super- 
natural depth  of  meaning  and  a  divine  power,   and,  like  the 
visible  atoms  of  nature,  a  connection  not  only  with  the  uni- 
verse, but  with  God.     If  "  words  are  things,"  the  single  words 
of  Scripture  are  eminently  so.     Wisdom,  righteousness,  mercy, 
peace   are  heaven-born  powers.     The  sublime  imagery  of  the 
Bible  is   nothing,  save  as  a  joy  to  the  imagination,  and  in  that 
may  prove  destructive,  if  it  does  not   enhance  for  the  soul  of 
the  student  the  glory  of  God,  around  whom  the  images  are 
gathered  but  as  adornments — the  attractive  gems  of    His  gar- 
ments.    Far  more  beautiful  than  the  rosy-fingered  Aurora  oi 


HISTORICAL  THEOLOGY.  25 

the  Greeks  is  the  Winged  Morning  of  the  Hebrews  ;  but  those 
pinions  of  h'ght,  many  colored  and  vast,  coming  out  of  the  East, 
are  nothing  to  us  unless  they  are  the  wings  of  an  angel  minis- 
tering to  the  heirs  of  salvation,  bearing  us  up  into  the  infinite 
dwelling  and  presence  of  Jehovah,  where  we  wonder  and  adore. 

The  old  nations — the  cemetery  of  sacred  history — are  sig- 
nificant to  us  only  as  they  make  manifest  the  sovereignty  and 
truth  and  justice  of  God,  or  serve  to  increase  our  conception 
of  the  grandeur  of  the  coming  resurrection.  Abraham  is  noth- 
ing to  us,  save  as  he  is  the  friend  of  God  and  the  recipient  of 
God's  covenant.  Isaiah,  with  all  the  eloquence  and  splendor  of 
his  diction,  is  nothing  to  us,  save  as  he  is  a  prophet  of  God.  The 
promises  are  nothing  as  the  expressions  of  pious  souls,  unless 
they  are  the  promises  of  God  ;  they  are  nothing  as  evolutions; 
they  are  mighty  as  revelations.  Vain  is  it  for  us  to  climb  to 
the  summit  of  the  pyramids  of  human  thought,  only  to  find 
above  them  an  infinite  heaven,  inaccessible,  dark  and  voiceless. 
It  is  only  when  God  speaks  that  out  of  the  darkness  comes 
flowing  the  sea  of  light,  and  out  of  the  silence  the  imperish- 
able melodies  which  delight  the  soul.  The  beauties  of  the 
Bible,  the  stories,  the  parables,  the  sublime  descriptions,  like 
the  fair  scenes  of  Nature — the  mountains  and  oceans,  and  the 
panorama  of  the  seasons — do  but  make  sport  of  our  orphanage 
if  they  reflect  not  the  glory  of  God;  and  all  the  harmonies  of 
the  Bible,  as  of  the  world,  utter  voices  of  mockery  if  they  do  not 
proclaim  to  us  God  our  Maker,  who  giveth  songs  in  the  night. 

We  are  to  study  the  Bible  as  if  we  received  it  directly  from 
His  awful  hand  ;  as  if  the  cloud  of  His  glory  was  visibly  about 
us.  Did  not  Christ  indorse  the  Old  Testament  Scriptures 
with  His  own  name? 

THEOLOGY   SYSTEMATIC. 

We  understand  the  Reformed  Church  to  re-assert  before  the 
world  that  Theology  as  a  science  is  not  dead,  but  living; 
that  truths  set  forth  in  their  related  aspect  form  not  a  mau- 
soleum, however  fair,  but  a  temple  in  which  God  is  still 
enshrined  ;  that  the  living  God,  in  His  sovereignty  and  attri- 
butes and  manifestations  shall  be  the  great  object  of  study, 
every  eye  toward    Him,  every  heart  seeking  Him;  that  over 


36  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

every  lecture-room  door  should  be  inscribed  the  motto,  "One 
thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek  after:  that 
I  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life, 
to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  and  to  inquire  in  His  temple." 
There  is  not  one  doctrine  of  our  faith  that  is  not  of  as  living 
interest  now  as  when  first  uttered  by  the  lips  of  prophets 
and  apostles.  From  the  Being  of  God  onward  to  the  last 
truth  of  Eschatology,  every  doctrine  has  to  do  with  the  im- 
mortal soul  and  with  human  destinies ;  nor  is  there  one,  if 
it  can  gain  possession  of  a  human  heart,  but  will  stir  it  in 
its  inmost  depths.  The  doctrines  are  the  rays  of  the  divine 
light  by  which  alone  we  see  God  ;  and  the  person  of  Christ  is 
seen  by  us  only  in  the  truths,  which  are  the  effulgence  of  His 
nature.  "  We  beheld  His  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only  begot- 
ten of  the  Father,  full  of  grace  and  truth."  But  God  must  be 
the  centre,  enthroned  in  Theology  as  in  the  soul  of  the  student — 
His  glory.  His  attributes.  His  authority,  His  claims  above  all. 
This  is  not  a  matter  of  course :  only  by  vigilance  and  prayer  will 
Theology  be  rescued  from  the  cerements  of  a  dead  orthodoxy 
to  be  laid  away  upon  the  book  shelves  as  in  a  grave.  The  Church 
proclaims  that  the  doctrines  of  Theology  are  the  living  voices  of 
the  living  God  to  the  children  of  men.  The  voice  of  the  Lord 
is  powerful ;    the  voice  of  the  Lord  is  full  of  majesty.* 

THEOLOGY   PRACTICAL. 

We  understand  the  Reformed  Church  as  declaring  that  the 
cultus  is  theological,  and   not,  therefore,  to  be   classed    with 


*  And  we  add  just  here  a  single  thought.  There  are  no  two  or  three  Theologies 
in  the  Bible.  We  may  speak  of  an  Old  Testament  Theology  and  of  a  New  ;  of  a 
Pauline  Theology,  and  of  a  Petrine :  they  are  all  figments  of  the  human  brain. 
Christ  gathered  up  all  the  doctrines  of  the  Old  Testament,  indorsed  and  re-issued 
them  in  fuller  significance  :  nor  is  there  a  doctrine  of  Paul  which  is  not  found  in 
the  teachings  of  Christ.  It  is  the  doctrine  of  the  Son  of  God,  which,  in  the  Book  of 
Acts,  is  seen  entering  into  human  history  ;  in  the  Epistles  is  seen  adjusted  to  the 
wants  of  the  soul  in  its  varied  relations  and  needs  and  conditions ;  and  in  the  pro- 
phetic writings  is  seen  advancing  amid  the  antagonistic  powers  of  the  world  which, 
under  symbolic  forms  of  monsters,  manifest  their  nature  as  displayed  in  history. 
James  as  distinctly  declares  God  the  author  of  saving  grace  as  does  Paul.  Peter  as 
distinctly  announces  faith  as  the  saving  principle  as  does  John.  And  if  men  see  not 
the  unity  of  the  Bible  Theology,  their  blindness  arises  either  from  a  childish  inca- 
pacity or  a  worse  than  childish  perversity. 


HISTORICAL  THEOLOGY.  27 

church  notices.  The  practical  and  pastoral  work  of  the 
Church  of  Christ  is  not  the  clanking  of  dead  machinery,  but 
is  all  vital  with  the  immanent  Spirit  of  God.  The  true 
worship  is  the  blossoming  of  the  Christian  doctrines  in  ex- 
pressions of  faith  and  hope  and  love,  in  hymns  and  prayers, 
in  preaching  and  teaching,  in  charities  and  missions.  Terrible 
is  the  loss  of  the  Church  when  the  indwelling  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  who  came  down  at  Pentecost,  is  forgotten.  Why  was 
that  sound  as  of  a  rushing  mighty  wind?  Why  the  cloven 
tongues  of  fire  resting  upon  the  disciples?  Why  the  records 
of  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  but  to  impress  this  truth  forever  upon 
the  heart  of  the  Church  ?  The  Spirit  abides  in  it ;  all  the 
offices  are  vital,  like  the  wheels  in  Ezekiel's  vision.  But  if  this 
is  true,  then  is  it  a  dominant  truth,  not  to  be  disregarded 
without  peril  ;  then  God  the  Holy  Ghost  is  the  central  light 
in  the  department  of  Pastoral  Theology  ;  then  is  Christ  the 
minister  of  the  sanctuary,  and  the  true  ministry  are  stars 
which  shine  in  His  right  hand. 

Just  here,  before  coming  to  our  final  theme,  it  becomes  us 
to  pause  and  look  around  a  little,  to  discover,  if  we  can,  the 
real  state  of  theological  education.  We  make  little  of  the  cry 
of  the  journals,  or  even  of  the  voice  of  public  sentiment  against 
the  preaching  of  Christian  doctrines,  for  this  is  but  the  natural 
expression  of  the  carnal  mind.  But  when  many  pulpits  are 
silent  upon  the  cardinal  teachings  of  Christ ;  when  men  of  calm 
historic  spirit,  like  Froude,  tell  us  that  they  clearly  discern  the 
hesitancy  of  doubt  in  the  Christian  ministry;  when  men  of  sound 
judgment  assure  us  that  the  minds  of  the  reflecting  are  be- 
coming unsettled  in  the  Church  as  well  as  out  of  it ;  when  our 
own  eyes  reveal  to  us  that  in  this  Christian  nation  great  num- 
bers of  the  clergy  are  speculating  upon  fundamental  truth,  and 
others  are  testifig  the  credibility  of  God's  word  instead  of  preach- 
ing it,  and  at  the  same  time  losing  their  hold  upon  the  so-called 
masses  of  the  people  ;  when  it  is  clearly  seen  that  theology  is 
made  to  recede  that  the  ethics  of  the  daily  life  may  usurp  its 
place;  (as  if  morals  were  orchids  and  could  live  in  the  air,  or  could 
live  at  all  except  as  they  are  rooted  in  God,  as  seen  in  His 
revelations);  we  are  in  duty  bound,  while  rejecting  the  pessi- 
mistic view,  to  inquire  as  persons  in  danger,  whether  any  mis- 


38  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

take  has  been  made  at  the  sources  of  theological  education. 
It  is  plainly  the  duty  of  the  representative  ecclesiastical  bodies 
to  make  this  investigation,  for  the  Lord  has  established  the 
episcopal  office  in  respect  to  doctrine  as  well  as  to  morals,  and 
He  will  hold  every  bishop  of  His  Church  accountable  accord- 
ing to  the  measure  of  his  influence  ;  because  no  doctrine  of 
God  ever  becomes  so  engrafted  into  the  heart  of  the  Church, 
that  it  will  remain  by  any  inherent  efficacy — a  fact  so  evident 
as  to  require  no  proof.  The  command  of  the  Master  ought  to 
be  sufficient  reason  for  vigilance — Beware  of  false  prophets, 
which  come  to  you  in  sheep's  clothing,  but  inwardly  they  are 
ravening  wolves;  ye  shall  know  them  by  their  fruits.  And  what 
are  those  fruits?  An  unsettled,  torn,  distracted  and  finally 
apostate  Church.  Watchfulness  in  obedience  to  Christ  is  very 
different  from  suspicion.  No  cry  for  liberty  can  justify  unfaith- 
fulness here.  The  motto  for  the  great  Reformed  Church  is 
"  In  necessariis  ujiitas,  in  non  necessariis  libertas,  in  omnibus 
4:haritas"\  you  have  only  to  put  your  libertas  in  place  of  iinitas, 
and  you  have  converted  your  cosmos  into  a  chaos,  to  last 
while  men  have  capacity  to  dispute.  Nor  ought  the  Church 
to  be  repelled  by  the  cry  of  an  esoteric  scholarship  in  the  semin- 
aries, nor  ought  there  to  be  any  delicacy  in  speaking  of  this 
where  the  interests  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  and  therefore  of 
mankind,  are  involved.  We  enter  into  no  analysis  of  the  learn- 
ing of  modern  times,  but  this  we  say,  that  truly  great  scholars 
are,  as  a  rule,  modest ;  the  word  scholarship  is  not  on  their  lips. 
If  they  are  sound  in  the  faith,  if  they  set  not  personal  ambition 
above  the  Divine  glory,  they  rejoice  in  the  supervision  of  the 
Church ;  and  we  may  be  sure  that  any  man  who  will  flaunt  the 
flag  of  scholarship  in  the  face  of  the  guardians  of  the  doctrines 
of  Christ,  is  either  an  unsound  man  who  fears  investigation,  or 
else  an  ambitious  tyro,  or  a  narrow-minded  grammarian. 
There  is  nothing  that  can  justify  the  negligence  of  ecclesiastical 
bodies  in  regard  to  the  teaching  in  their  seminaries,  because  a 
false  doctrine  sown  in  the  privacy  of  the  lecture-room  and  in 
the  hearts  of  unsuspicious  young  men,  will  in  a  generation  dis- 
turb and  possibly  leaven  with  error  the  great  body  of  the  min- 
istry. 

Moreover,  the    claim    to  exclusive  knowledge  in  the  semi- 


HISTORICAL   THEOLOGY.  2fr 

naries  is  unsupported  by  facts.  The  ministry  of  the  Evangelical 
Church  are  in  the  main  educated  men.  Many  of  them  pos- 
sess the  best  editions  of  both  Testaments.  They  have  access 
to  the  learned  commentaries  of  the  world.  Some  of  the 
most  scholarly  works  issued  from  the  press  are  from  the  pens 
of  pastors.  The  great  libraries  are  not  sealed  to  them.  They 
have  all  the  data  necessary  to  form  just  conclusions,  and  here 
Christian  jtidginent  enters.  Do  we  then  oppose  criticism  ? 
The  criticism  of  Erasmus?  No.  The  criticism  introduced  by 
that  noble  man  of  God,  John  Albert  Bengel  ?  No.  Of  John 
Solomon  Semler,  of  Halle?  Let  history  answer,  standing 
amid  the  desolations  of  the  churches  he  led  into  apostacy. 
No  Christian  baptism  can  regenerate  that  criticism.  As  cer- 
tainly as  criticism  has  its  great  work  to  do,  so  certainly  has 
it  its  limit,  and  woe  to  the  man  who  transgresses  that  bound. 
To  say  that  this  is  to  oppose  free  Christian  criticism  or  schol- 
arship, is  to  say  that  we  oppose  the  use  of  fire  because  it  may 
burn  down  our  dwellings.  Let  us  remember  that  it  is  God  with 
whom  we  have  to  do.  Theological  seminaries  are  not  established 
as  debating  societies,  beginning  with  the  Cartesian  principle  of 
doubt,  in  which  are  to  be  tested  and  discussed  the  genuineness 
and  credibility  of  the  Christian  records.  These  questions  are  for 
the  kingdom  of  the  world.  They  are  already  settled  in  the 
Church;  and  her  institutions  rest  upon  the  rock  o{  faith. 

Now  the  capacity  of  the  Evangelical  ministry  to  determine 
whenever  the  criteria  of  the  Christian  religion  are  assailed, 
appears  from  the  fact  that  the  Communion  of  the  Saints  arises 
at  first  from  a  common  discernment  of  Divine  truth.  The  great 
self-witnessing  vital  doctrinesof  God  have  been  revealed  to  them 
by  the  Holy  Ghost  ;  they  know  the  voice  of  their  Shepherd  ; 
they  detect  the  voice  of  the  stranger  if  they  are  watchful  ;  they 
have  felt  the  power  of  the  Bible ;  and  when  that  book  in  which 
the  Divine  revelations  are  enshrined,  and  from  whose  sacred 
pages  they  shine  forth,  is  touched  with  a  sacrilegious  hand,  the 
Christian  instinct,  if  we  may  call  it  so,  is  at  once  alarmed,  and 
hence  the  agitations  that  follow.  Sometimes,  but  not  often^ 
that  jealous  instinct  has  been  unnecessarily  disturbed  ;  and  far 
better  it  should  be  a  hundred  times  aroused  without  real  cause, 
than  that  it  should  not  be  shocked  when  its  God-eiven  histories 


30  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

are  pronounced  legends  and  myths,  and  the  transparent  para- 
bles of  the  Incarnate  Son  of  God  called  fictions.  As  well  call 
metaphors  fictions.  The  language  is  unfit,  worldly  and  pro- 
fane. To  deny  the  right  of  the  Church  to  decide  what  its  ap- 
pointed teachers  shall  teach,  is  not  only  to  rob  her  of  her 
Divinely-appointed  prerogatives,  but  of  the  rights  of  a  common 
corporation.  Give  Theology  its  rightful  place;  let  God  be  seen 
in  His  majesty  and  holiness  and  authority,  and  man  in  his  sin- 
fulness, and  a  curb  will  be  laid  upon  licentious  criticism  ;  no 
man  will  dare  to  summon  to  his  petty  judgment-seat  the 
Jehovah  who  speaks  out  of  the  whirlwind.  If  then  there  is 
seen  a  tendency  in  the  analytic  spirit  of  our  times  to  declare 
analysis  man's  chief  end  ;  so  to  divide  and  classify  studies  as 
to  make  Theology  a  secondary  thing,  or  only  one  among  many 
things,  and  thus  to  lose  the  true  theological  unity  and 
synthesis  in  ministerial  education  ;  if  in  Bible  study,  by  atten- 
tion to  the  human  we  are  losing  the  Divine  ;  in  listening  to  the 
human  voices,  we  fail  to  hear  the  undertone  of  the  voice  of  the 
Almighty;  if  in  the  study  of  the  glass  we  are  losing  sight  of 
the  glory  of  the  Lord  ;  if  we  are  allowing  the  fragmentary  tra- 
ditions of  heathen  nations  to  set  aside  the  clear  authoritative 
declarations  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  if  there  is  a  tendency  to 
crowd  Pastoral  Theology  into  a  corner,  that  our  seminaries  may 
send  out  scholars  and  not  pastors,  then  the  time  for  solemn 
warning  has  come.  If  we  find  the  claim  advanced  that  our 
holy  religion,  these  spiritual  heavens,  are  to  be  propped  up  by 
the  reasonings  of  man  ;  or  the  rights  of  reason  so  presented 
as  will  in  any  case  justify  the  crime  of  unbelief;  if  the  tendency 
is  discovered  to  send  out  a  ministry  who  shall  take  an  apolo- 
getic attitude,  and  thus  in  presence  of  the  whole  world  dis- 
honor the  Son  of  God  and  His  Holy  Spirit  ;  if  it  is  found  that 
questions  which  agitate  the  church — the  religious  discussions  of 
the  time — have  sunk  down  out  of  the  heavenly  places  into  the 
sphere  of  the  earthly ;  or  that  the  opinion  is  coming  to  prevail 
that  the  Holy  Ghost  is  not  necessary  in  all  scriptural  study; 
that  the  Book  of  God  is  to  be  studied  as  any  other  book;  that 
Rationalists,  the  open  enemies  of  Jehovah,  are  masters  in 
sacred  science  ;  that  Christian  students  must  get  rid  of  the  old 
faith,  called  traditional  theories  and  dogmatic  prejudices,  as  if 


HISTORICAL   THEOLOGY.  31 

the  carnal  mind  were  not  enmity  against  God  ;  or  that  in  order 
successfully  to  contend  for  the  faith,  Christians  must  get  upon 
the  ground  of  the  enemy,  as  if  it  were  said,  in  order  to  study 
philosophy  we  must  get  rid  of  our  intuitions,  or  to  convert  the 
unbeliever  we  must  renounce  for  the  time  our  faith  ;  if  in  any 
of  these  directions  the  watchful  Church  sees  her  teachers 
moving;  then  ought  her  voice  to  be  lifted  up  like  a  trumpet, 
and  that  with  no  uncertain  sound  :  "Come  back  ye  instructors 
to  your  proper  work  ;  teach  the  mighty  doctrines  revealed  from 
heaven  ;  trifle  not  with  the  last  hope  of  a  world  perishing  under 
the  wrath  of  God.'' 

Now  it  is  just  here  that  Historical  Theology  enters  with  its 
voices  of  instruction  and  admonition.  We  believe  God  has  di- 
rected the  Reformed  Church  in  this  appointment.  We  under- 
stand tiie  Church  to  say:  Church  History  is  nothing  without  its 
doctrines:  the  education  of  the  ministry  is  found  to  be  essentially 
defective  if  they  are  uninstructed  in  the  Theology  of  History.  Not 
one  day  too  soon  has  been  admitted  the  injury  the  Protestant 
Church  is  suffering  through  loss  of  the  historic  spirit ;  nor  can  the 
children  of  God  be  too  thankful  for  a  Cocceius,  who  said:  Your 
hermeneutics  must  be  historical;  or  for  a  Neander  who  com- 
pelled an  unbelieving  and  speculating  world  to  listen  to  the 
unanswerable  testimony  of  history.  The  law  of  the  kingdom 
by  which  the  congregation  shall  be  affected  by  the  character, 
intellectual  and  spiritual,  of  the  pastor,  is  unchanging.  Hence 
the  education  of  the  pastor  is  not  for  himself  but  for  the 
Church;  and  if  deficient  it  may  result  in  widespread  disasters. 
-The  Church  has  decided  that  with  the  great  departments  which 
may  be  called  stationary,  in  which  the  student  is  to  look  into 
the  mysteries  and  glories  of  Christianity  as  a  creation,  there 
shall  also  be  one  in  which  Christianity  is  studied  as  a  providence ; 
that  is  the  appropriation  of  Theology  by  humanity.  This  word 
"humanity"  is  of  scriptural  origin,  not  merely  as  the  race 
springs  from  one  ancestor  and  is  of  one  blood,  but  through 
the  doctrines  of  a  common  ruin  and  misery,  and  the  new 
birth,  and  the  Christian  brotherhood,  and  the  Koinonia  of  the 
Saints,  and  the  vital  union  of  all  believers  with  Christ,  and  the 
sonship  and  mysterious  communion  of   all  with  God.     While 


33  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

the  doctrines  of  God  are  received  by  the  individual  soul,  there 
follows  also  a  Church-thought,  which  seems  to  come  from  the 
multitude  welded  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  differing  from  the  indi- 
vidual thinking  as  the  sun  reflected  from  the  drop  of  water 
differs  from  the  sun  reflected  from  the  ocean,  or  as  the  song  of 
the  solitary  singer  from  the  chorus  which  lifts  us  up  as  on  the 
wings  of  mighty  winds  toward  heaven.  In  Church  History 
Theology  is  the  central  thing.  The  battle  of  the  ages  has 
been  the  introduction  of  the  doctrines  of  God  into  the 
souls  of  men,  to  become  therein  a  dominating  power.  The 
essential  histories  are  not  the  rise  and  fall  of  kingdoms,  the 
conflicts  of  armies  which  may  or  may  not  accompany  pro- 
gress. Justly  does  Thomas  Carlyle  call  the  Seven  Years'  War 
without  historical  significance — a  "  dust-whirlwind."  There  is 
no  more  history  in  the  tumbling  of  the  nations  than  in  the 
dashing  of  the  weaves  of  the  sea ;  the  real  history  is  in  the  con- 
flict and  advancement  of  ideas,  those  forces  which  come  forth 
silent  as  the  lightning,  followed  often  with  reverberations  which 
alarm  the  world,  but  which  are  only  signs.  What  was  that 
outburst,  the  first  French  Revolution,  which  like  an  earthquake 
shook  down  thrones  and  institutions,  but  the  idea  of  liberty 
which  as  a  smothered  fire  had  been  burning  in  individual  hearts 
until  it  had  become  national  ?  Christian  doctrines  are  the 
thoughts  of  God,  blessed  be  his  name,  clothed  upon  with 
language,  and  coming,  not  with  observation,  to  take  possession 
of  the  world.  When  the  doctrines  of  God  get  access  into  the 
heart  of  a  man  he  is  brought  into  new  relations.  He  finds  him- 
self in  that  society  whose  history  stretches  away  through  thou- 
sands of  years,  and  which  was  old  when  Athens  and  Antioch  and 
Rome  rose  out  of  the  sea  of  time.  It  is  a  great  thing  for  any- 
one to  awaken  as  from  a  sleep  to  the  consciousness  that  the 
Universe  is  moving  and  he  is  moving  with  it ;  to  come  con- 
sciously into  the  mighty  processions  of  the  worlds  and  the 
centuries  ;  but  there  is  a  greater  awakening  than  this  when  one 
comes  to  a  discernment  of  the  Divine  Will  revealed  in  the 
Bible,  feels  the  power  of  God's  decrees,  comes  into  living  sym- 
pathy with  celestial  kindred,  and  moves  on  in  the  march  of  the 
armies  of  the  Lord  of  Hosts.  If  you  attempt  to  convert  the 
present  generation  into  a  lake  without  inlet  or  outlet,  you  will 


HISTORICAL  THEOLOGY.  33 

find  it  at  last  a  stagnant  pond  with  no  living  springs  of  water ; 
even  your  evangelistic  spirit  and  work  will  not  preserve  you 
from  mistakes.  Next  to  the  prophetic  spirit,  without  which 
you  will  have  no  missions,  is  the  historic  spirit,  without  which 
you  will  have  no  growth  in  Christian  knowledge,  no  apprecia- 
tion of  divine  institutions,  no  discernment  of  the  stately  goings 
of  God  ;  you  will  be  in  peril  of  a  fossil  orthodoxy.  The  Lord 
intended  that  his  religion  should  arouse  the  mind  to  activity, 
and  the  quickened  mind  must  be  guided  and  instructed  by 
Christian  teachers  or  it  will  inevitably  go  astray;  if  it  is  not  led 
into  the  heights  of //j^'^^^/crt/ truth,  it  will  rush  into  speculation, 
that  curse  of  the  Church.  What  would  be  thought  of  a  man 
who  should  attempt  to  advance  in  education  while  ignoring 
his  memory?  And  what  is  Church  History  but  the  Church's 
memory?  In  all  growth  in  grace  and  knowledge  the  past  must 
be  borne  along  as  Christ  ascends  from  the  manger  above  all 
heavens.  The  written  histories  are,  indeed,  imperfect ;  we  see 
but  here  and  there  a  gleam  glancing  like  light  from  the  asbes- 
tos thread;  but  the  guiding  clew  is  there,  the  unity  of  life  and 
the  manifestation  of  the  Spirit ;  and  if  God,  by  His  Church, 
is  showing  to  principalities  and  powers  His  manifold  wisdom, 
we  disciples  in  this  school  of  Christ  ought  to  learn  the  les- 
sons the  Master  with  His  own  hand  writes  for  us. 

There  is  a  difference  between  the  self-witnessing  testimony 
of  the  Bible  and  the  experimental,  the  one  being  the  sign- 
manual  God  sets  upon  every  creation  of  His  hand,  upon  leaf, 
and  atom,  and  the  heavens  in  their  majesty,  and  which  is  seen 
directly  by  the  regenerated  soul  as  it  is  more  or  less  illumi- 
nated ;  the  other  comes  forth  in  the  history  of  the  redeemed 
man.  The  one  is  your  Biblical  Theology,  the  other  is  on  a 
vast  scale  your  Christian  History.  Biblical  Theology  lies  at  the 
foundation;  the  written  Theology,  becoming  the  living,  is  the 
historical ;  but  always  it  is  Theology.  We  do  not  insist  upon 
the  distinction  between  doctrine  and  dogma  from  the  deriva- 
tion of  the  words,  the  one  from  the  Latin  to  teach,  the  other 
from  the  Greek  to  think;  but  it  illustrates  our  theme.  The  doc- 
trine is  the  thought  of  God  in  all  its  fulness;  the  dogma  the  con- 
ception of  the  thought  by  men.  The  work  of  the  Church  is  to 
convert  the  doctrine  as  far  as  may  be  into  the  dogma,  or  rather 


34  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

to  bring  the  dogma  up  toward  the  doctrine,  which  always 
transcends.  "  I  am  God  Almighty"  is  the  doctrine;  the  uni- 
verse with  its  worlds,  its  awful  powers,  its  histories  and  proces- 
sions, is  the  experimental  testimony  ;  the  dogma  in  this  aspect 
is  what  man  learns.  The  doctrines  never  change  ;  and  there 
are  dogmas  also  to  be  ranked  with  intuitions  ;  once  seen  they 
are  forever.  God  has  cast  the  Bible  into  the  midst  of  worldly 
powers;  and  His  Church,  the  recipient  and  exponent  of  His 
truth,  the  reflector  of  His  Doxa,  into  the  great  tumultuous 
current  of  the  world's  history,  to  move  on  with  it  And  this 
junction  gives  rise  to  problems  ;  and  how  they  have  been  solved 
in  past  ages  becomes  for  us  a  serious  matter.  We  say  then, 
that  the  study  of  Theology  in  its  historic  aspect  by  the  Pro- 
testant ministry,  is  essential,  in  order,  i.  To  the  appreciation  of 
divine  doctrines  ;  2.  To  the  tinder st anding  o{  them  ;  3.  To  the 
vitalizing  of  them  ;  4.  To  the  rightful  defence  of  them.  This 
opens  before  us  a  vast  field  over  which  we  can  cast  but  passing 
glances. 

We  felt  the  power  of  the  historic  spirit  last  year,  and  the 
congregation  also  felt  it,  when  Martin  Luther  came  before  us 
like  one  risen  from  the  dead.  The  influence  of  the  Reformation 
for  a  time  at  least  pervaded  our  lives.  And  what  was  the 
Reformation  without  its  divine  doctrine  ?  What  was  Martin 
Luther  but  the  exponent  of  justification  by  faith  alone,  at- 
tained through  wrestlings  with  despair?  The  doctrine  was  in 
the  Bible,  but  now  the  light  is  made  to  shine  out  through  a 
living  soul.  The  great  men  in  the  kingdom  of  God  are  sent 
by  Him  ;  they  are  the  lights  along  the  vista  of  the  past ;  the 
light  is  kindled  in  them  by  the  breath  of  the  Spirit  of  God.  We 
feel  the  spirit  of  history  in  some  measure  this  day,  as  we  look 
back  through  the  eventful  course  of  a  hundred  years,  and  be- 
yond, to  the  connections  of  the  Reformed  Church,  to  Holland 
and  its  martyrs  and  theologians.  What  then  must  be  the 
effect  of  a  true  apprehension  of  the  Catholic  history,  in  which 
thousands  of  Christian  heroes,  anointed  prophets,  priests,  and 
kings,  have  died  to  preserve  the  great  salvation  for  coming 
generations?  Rome  for  her  hierarchy,  ritualistic  churches  for 
their  cultus,  well  understand  the  power  of  history  on  the  hearts 
of  the  worshipers ;  yet  the  true  use  of  it  is  to  magnify  divine 


HISTORICAL   THEOLOGY.  35 

■doctrines  and  institutions.  How  easily  we  cease  to  value  the 
treasures  which  cost  the  strong  crying  and  tears  of  Christ  and 
His  apostles  and  prophets!  Even  our  civil  liberty  ceases  to 
be  appreciated  by  a  people  who  refuse  to  read  of  the  tremen- 
dous conflicts  by  which  this  precious  gift  was  secured  to  the 
world.  If  one  would  understand  its  value  he  must  stop  and 
regard  the  past,  the  pitiless  oppression  which  ground  the  poor 
into  the  dust,  the  tyranical  laws  which  drove  the  people  to 
despair,  the  dungeons  where  liberty  sighed  in  chains.  Let 
him  read  the  sorrows  of  the  Netherlanders,  when  men,  wcmen 
and  children  struggled  for  freedom  of  conscience,  most  of  them 
only  with  prayers  to  God  against  the  oppressor,  when,  as  Grotius 
tells  us,  one  hundred  thousand  were  buried  alive,  strangled, 
or  burned  at  the  stake.  Let  the  man  whose  love  of  liberty 
grows  cold  study  the  bloody  struggles  in  France,  in  Germany, 
in  England,  in  Scotland,  and  if  there  be  a  spark  of  the  sacred 
fire  left  in  the  ashes  of  his  heart,  it  will  be  kindled  into  a  flame. 
There  is  not  a  doctrine  in  our  creeds  whose  glory  is  not  en- 
hanced in  our  eyes  by  the  history  of  its  conflicts.  Every  one 
has  gained  a  lodgement  by  hard  battles  against  unbelief.  One 
by  one  the  doctrines  have  come  to  us  baptized  with  blood. 
The  man  who  gave  voice  to  the  Church's  faith  in  our  Belgic 
confession  sealed  his  testimony  in  prison  and  on  the  gibbet. 
We  look  at  our  Bible  itself,  and,  as  the  Book  lies  before  us 
with  its  revelations  and  histories,  its  earthly  and  heavenly 
scenery,  its  cloudy  pillar  and  its  chariots  of  fire,  its  men  with 
human  passions  and  its  innumerable  multitude  of  angels,  its 
fiery  law  and  its  cross  of  sacrifice,  it  is  a  wonder — the  supreme 
phenomenon  among  visible  things.  Yet  who  does  not  see 
that  its  history  encircles  it  with  a  new  halo;  that  we  look  at  it 
with  other  eyes  as  we  remember  that  it  has  come  down  to  us 
all  the  way  through  martyr  fires  ;  its  promises  have  echoed  from 
century  to  century,  cheering  the  hearts  of  generations,  so  that 
this  day  it  stands  defying  the  wrath  of  man — the  voice  of  God 
which  no  man  nor  combination  of  men  can  silence,  speaking 
against  the  powers  of  evil  ?  What  a  new  glory  envelops  the 
Lord's  Supper  when  it  is  borne  in  mind  that  this  same  simple 
feast  has  been  observed  from  age  to  age,  in  caves  and  dun- 
geons, in  a  thousand  gorgeous  cathedrals,  in  the  rooms  of  the 


36  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL, 

sick  and  the  dying,  in  all  languages,  by  kings  and  slaves;  and 
that  the  words,  This  is  My  body,  this  is  My  blood  shed  for  the 
remission  of  sins,  never  ceasing  to  be  spoken  in  the  darkest 
centuries,  have  been  transmitted  to  us  by  the  great  Catholic 
Church,  and  are  to  be  transmitted  by  us  to  the  generations 
which  follow,  crowding  on  our  steps.  Thus  it  were  easy  to  go 
from  doctrine  to  doctrine,  and  from  institution  to  institution. 
Out  of  all  these  treasures  brought  to  us  through  conflict,  let 
us  select  one,  the  Supreme  Deity  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
That  little  crooked  Bishop  of  Alexandria,  called  by  the  Em- 
peror Julian  a  "manikin,"  who  by  our  modern  materialists 
would  have  been  deemed  unfit  to  survive — Athanasius — -had  in 
him  a  soul  made  great  by  the  Father  of  Spirits,  that  he  might 
apprehend  the  mystery  of  godliness.  Filled  with  a  sense  of 
the  infinite  majesty  of  Christ,  that  one  idea  took  possession  of 
him.  It  was  nothing  to  Athanasius  that  Arius  said,  "  We  con- 
fess a  Logos  who  made  and  upholds  all  things;  we  grant  that 
His  being  stretches  away  beyond  all  the  creations,  and  beyond 
all  possible  reach  of  imagination  ;  yet  between  Him  and  the 
Most  High  there  is  still  an  everlasting  separation,  a  narrow 
film,  a  dark  thread."  Athanasius,  with  the  doctrine  of  God  in 
his  soul,  saw  at  once  that  this  film  was  only  narrow  in  our 
eyes,  because  a  cunning  enemy  had  removed  it  far  away;  that 
it  was  a  dark  and  infinite  ocean,  separating  Christ  and  all  of 
us  from  the  great  Elohim  of  the  Bible.  Athanasius  saw  that 
this  was  nothing  but  the  old  heathenism  in  disguise  ;  Christ, 
an  ^on,  and  the  worship  given  to  Him,  idolatry.  There  were 
thousands  of  Christians,  as  there  are  now,  who  saw  not  that 
the  question  was  one  of  life  and  death  for  mankind;  who  knew 
not  that  the  foundation  of  the  Christian  religion  was  assailed. 
Hence  when  we  see  him  driven  again  and  again  into  exile, 
hunted  by  the  imperial  soldiers,  hiding  in  tombs  and  bed 
chambers,  fleeing  into  the  desert,  wandering  in  disguise  from 
country  to  country,  accused  of  crimes  too  numerous  and  too 
horrible  to  mention,  we  understand  the  conflict.  It  was  the 
man  against  the  old  red  dragon  ;  it  was  not  Athanasius  against 
the  world,  but  Athanasius  against  hellish  powers,  the  same 
powers  which  gathered  around  Calvary.  What  tongue  can 
tell,  what  heart  conceive  the  desolation,  had  Athanasius  failed 


HISTORICAL   THEOLOGY.  37 

through  want  of  faith;  had  the  Church  been  left  to  decide  that 
the  Most  High  God  is  not  our  Father,  and  hurled  us  back  into 
the  old  heathen  agnosticism?  This  world  is  no  play  ground  ; 
the  heroes  of  the  Church  have  been  fighting  for  our  immortal 
souls. 

Let  us  say  here  that  every  battle  the  Church  has  fought 
has  been  with  disguised  heathenism.  From  the  time  our 
great  monotheistic  religion,  with  its  claims,  came  forth  from 
eternity,  always  it  has  been  the  thoughts  of  man  against  the 
thoughts  of  God.  We  know  of  but  two  sources  of  thought  in 
this  world,  the  mind  of  God  and  the  mind  of  man.  The  ideal- 
ism of  Germany,  which  corrupted  the  theology  of  the  Church, 
■was  nothing  but  the  old  heathen  mysticism  set  forth  in  logical 
form,  like  light  shining  through  an  iceberg.  It  was  the  cold 
moonlight  of  heathen  mysticism.  And  who  would  have  sup- 
posed that  out  of  the  glorious  doctrine  of  Athanasius  there 
would  come  that  exclusive  deification  of  Christ,  that  practical 
loss  of  the  humanity,  so  that  sinners  could  no  longer  ap- 
proach Him,  and  the  heavens  became  filled  with  other  media- 
tors;  or  that  since  the  Reformation,  when  the  humanity  has 
become  so  prominent,  that  where  it  is  not  made  exclusive,  it  is 
yet  so  set  forth  that  we  are  in  danger  of  losing  the  theology  in 
the  human  history,  and  even  of  converting  our  religion  into 
mere  sentimentalism,  and  in  the  compassion  of  the  Son  of  Man 
of  losing  sight  of  the  majesty  of  Him  whose  right  hand  is  full 
of  righteousness,  and  whose  eyes  are  as  a  flame  of  fire? 

Thus  does  history  proclaim  that  you  cannot  touch  one  of  the 
attributes  of  God  without  marring  the  divine  symmetry.  You 
cannot  tear  one  thread  from  the  garment  of  our  High  Priest  with- 
out sacrilege  and  peril.  If  we  bear  in  mind,  too,  that  at  this 
very  time  there  was  another  experiment  in  progress,  in  which 
God  in  His  Sovereignty  permitted  a  doctrinal  error  to  prevail, 
one  apparently  so  insignificant  that  the  Church  as  a  body 
failed  to  see  it  ;  smaller  than  a  mustard  seed,  small  as  the 
germ  of  a  contagious  disease,  a  simple  displacement  from  its 
true  position  of  the  Christian  doctrine  of  the  righteousness  of 
life :  who  could  have  dreamed  that  from  such  conscientious 
ethics  there  could  have  grown  the  vast  system  of  Rome,  with 
its  asceticism  and  monkish  vows,  its  penances  and  purgatory, 


38  CENTENNIAL    MEMORIAL. 

its  indulgences  and  priestly  domination,  its  spiritual  despot- 
ism, the  most  awful  that  ever  oppressed  the  human  soul.  His- 
tory sends  on  the  warning  of  Christ  through  the  centuries, 
"  Narrow  is  the  way  that  leadeth  unto  life ;"  "  Watch  and  pray." 

We  said  that  Theology  in  its  historical  aspect  is  necessary  to 
the  understanding  of  the  doctrine.  Here  we  can  make  only 
one  remark:  the  thoughts  of  God  are  so  vast  that  it  requires  the 
labor  of  centuries  to  unfold  them.  "  As  heaven  is  high  above 
the  earth,  so  are  my  thoughts  higher  than  your  thoughts."  We 
take  as  an  illustration,  Christ's  thought  of  the  brotherhood  of 
the  human  race,  as  set  forth  in  language,  in  example,  in  visible 
form,  by  a  heavenly  democracy  in  the  Lord's  Supper;  and  now,. 
after  more  than  eighteen  centuries,  His  Church  is  still  striving 
to  grasp  this  vast  doctrine,  having  on  it  the  self-witnessing 
divine  impress.  We  are  beginning  to  have  our  histories  of 
Christian  charity,  and  marvelous  stories  they  are ;  but  the 
thought  of  Christ  is  high,  we  cannot  attain  unto  it.  In  the 
shadow  of  Christian  palaces  still  lies  the  poor  Lazarus,  and  amid 
the  songs  of  Christian  churches,  ascends  the  ceaseless  sound  of 
the  miseries  of  the  world.  What  are  our  great  libraries,  full  of 
volumes  upon  Christian  truth,  but  the  strivings  of  the  Church 
to  set  forth  the  human  understanding  of  the  doctrines,  which 
still  tower  above  us  like  mountains,  their  summits  in  the  mists, 
in  the  clouds  and  darkness,  which  are  round  about  the  throne 
of  Jehovah?  As  we  get  on  in  life  we  think  less  and  less  of  the 
thoughts  of  men ;  they  seem  to  be  but  pyrotechnics  which  blaze 
and  dazzle  and  expire.  But  God's  thoughts  are  eternal;  they 
are  constellations — sparks  to  the  child,  worlds  and  suns,  with 
their  inheritances,  to  the  man. 

This  study  is  necessary  also  to  the  vitalizing  of  the  doctrines 
of  God.  If  they  are  not  practically  vital,  if  they  are  not  in  our 
Christianity  and  in  our  Christian  teaching  what  they  once 
were,  it  is  we  who  are  dead,  we  who  fail  to  catch  and  trans- 
mit their  quickening  power.  If  God's  election  is  not  to  us 
what  it  was  to  the  Apostle  Paul,  when  it  awoke  the  transports 
of  his  soul,  and  when  in  the  fulness  of  his  joy  he  sent  it  forth 
to  the  churches,  then  it  is  because  we  have  ceased  to  value  our 
redemption  and  the  everlasting  love.  If  justification  by  faith 
is   not   now  to  the  Church  what  it  was  when  Luther  was  trem- 


HISTORICAL  THEOLOGY.  39 

bling  under  a  sense  of  God's  wrath  and  wrestling  with  sin,  and 
when  the  evangel  of  Christ  sounded  in  his  heart,  it  is  not  that 
the  facts  of  life  are  changed.  Still  is  it  true  that  the  wrath  of 
God  is  revealed  from  heaven  against  human  unrighteousness  ; 
still  the  great  white  throne  is  the  centre  toward  which  the  world 
of  mankind  is  moving;  the  judgment  is  set  and  the  books  are 
opened  ;  there  is  no  turning  back  on  the  path;  still  death  is  do- 
ing its  tremendous  work;  the  government  of  God  has  not 
changed;  men  have  sunk  into  a  world  of  dreams.  To  fling  the 
doctrines  of  God  aside  is  madness;  to  vitalize  them  is  our  work 
—to  show  that  each  revealed  truth  is  of  present  and  living  inter- 
est. But  the  doctrines  must  first  live  in  the  soul  of  the  preacher; 
the  law  of  the  kingdom  is  that  the  doctrines  of  God  shall  be 
taught  by  men,  and  through  the  preacher  shall  go  forth  the  hea- 
venly virtue. 

The  proof  that  the  old  Theology  is  not  dead  is  in  its  utter- 
ances, thousand-voiced,  from  the  pulpits  of  the  land,  but  the 
vitalizing  power  comes  through  the  great  experimental  tes- 
timony of  God  in  His  Church.  The  Bible  itself  \vould  teach 
us  that.  Who  has  not  felt  the  power  of  a  biography?  Who  that 
has  come  in  contact  with  Augustine  has  not  felt  the  virtue  of 
the  man,  and  the  sympathetic  thrill  of  joy,  when,  as  he  sat  by 
the  gates  of  hell,  the  heavens  opened  and  God  taught  him  for 
the  Church  the  meaning  of  His  grace  ?  And  has  that  great 
doctrine  of  grace  no  history?  has  it  had  no  martyrs?  had  it  no 
long  struggle  before  it  found  a  voice  clear  and  distinct  in  the 
Synod  of  Dort  ?  The  echo  of  WHiitefield's  voice  and  of  Wes- 
ley's still  sounds  over  all  English-speaking  lands,  "  Except  a 
man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God."  And 
that  doctrine  of  revelation,  spoken  by  regenerated  men,  did 
more  for  England  than  the  apologetics  of  a  hundred  writers. 
And  lastly,  this  study  is  essential  in  the  defence  of  Christian 
doctrines.  And  what  history  here  proclaims  is  that  from  the 
beginning  our  apologetics  are  in  the  doctrines,  and  not  in  the  de- 
fence of  the  doctrines  by  the  dialogismoi  of  men,  of  which 
Paul  so  often  speaks  with  contempt.  Our  religion  stands  not 
by  the  wisdom  of  men,  but  by  the  power  of  God  ;  not  by  the 
words  which  man's  wisdom  teacheth,  but  which  the  Holy 
Ghost  teacheth.     God  have  mercy  on  the  man  whose  personal 


40  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

religion  is  of  such  a  character  that  it  needs  to  be   propped  up 
by  logic.     He  is  the  man   whom   Banyan,   in   the    Holy  War, 
sees  kicked  about  in  the  dirt  between   the    two   armies.     It  is 
not  logic  the  man  needs,  but  the  new  birth,  that   he   may  see 
the  Kingdom  of  God.    The  wisdom  of  God  incarnate  who  is  our 
exemplar,  with  all  the  logic  of  the   universe  at   his   command, 
refused  to  use  it  against  the  enemy  ;  he  hurled  only  the  arrows 
of  God's  word,  "  It  is  written."     History  proclaims  that  when 
the  Church  has    understood  and  held  fast  to  the  doctrines  of 
God,  not  in  sleep,  but  in  progress,  wrought  in   the  soul,  living 
in  the  experience,  coming  forth  in  the  life,  she  has  been   terri- 
ble as  an  army  with  banners.     She   comes  marching  on  with 
the  light  that  shined  out  of  darkness  in   her  heart,  illuminat- 
ing the    nations,   blessing  the   world  with    her  missions   and 
her  charities.      The  word  of  the  Lord  is   as    a  fire  breaking 
forth  in  eloquence  and  song.     Who  that  has  read  those  great 
works,  Augustine's  City  of  God,  and  Edward's  History  of  Re- 
demption, has  not  felt  their   apologetic  power  ?     What  is  the 
argument  always  at  our  hand  that  Christ  has  risen   from  the 
dead  ?     Is  it  not  the  perpetuity  and  growth  and  power  of  the 
Church  which  professedly  draws  its  life  from  his  living  person? 
Century  after  century  with  deepening  chorus,  the  witnesses  in 
sackcloth  testify  on  all  their  Sabbaths  and  on  the  great  Easter 
day,  "Now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead."     The  testimony  for 
God's  election  is  found  in  the  life  and   triumphs   of  the  godly 
during  the  darkest  ages  of  Church  History.     And  here  are  our 
true  apologetics.     As  over  against  every  vice,  God   has  set  a 
Divine  virtue  in  the  Christian    soul,  and  by  this  alone  the  evil 
is  to  be  cast  out;   so  against  every  error  of  man   He  has  set  a 
Doctrine  in  His  Church,  and  only  by  the  doctrine  can  the  error 
be  destroyed.     The  errors   which   are  of   the   darkness,  perish 
only  in  the  light  of  the  Divine  doctrine. 

History  in  this  respect  is  very  suggestive,  and  forces  upon  us 
the  question  whether  in  the  establishment  of  professorships  of 
Apologetics  the  Church  has  not  made  a  mistake  ?  1st.  Because 
they  have  arisen  from  exaggerated  estimates  of  the  power  of  the 
enemy— cities  walled  up  to  heaven— leading  to  the  semblance 
of  a  panic  in  the  Christian  camp,  and  at  the  same  time  minister- 
ing to  the  confidence  and  self-conceit  of  the  foe.     2d.  Because 


HISTORICAL   TIIKOLOGY.  41 

they  have  called  the  attention  of  the  people  to  the  old  difficult- 
ies which  are  hardly  worthy  of  notice,  but  may  thus  become  des- 
tructive. There  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  name  of  Darwin  has 
sounded  further  through  Christendom  by  means  of  our  Apolo- 
getics, than  by  all  the  dull  books  he  wrote.  3d.  Because  the 
talents  of  some  of  the  most  able  leaders  of  the  Church  are  wasted 
in  skirmishing.  Who  can  fail  to  see  that  it  is  skirmishing,  and 
not  seldom  with  a  phantom  enemy  ?  4th.  Because  it  diverts  the 
attention  of  students  from  the  vital  and  saving  truths  of  the 
word  of  God — a  favorite  method  of  temptation  by  the  old  ser- 
pent. We  ask,  are  not  the  apologetic  discussions  in  the 
earthly  sphere?  Nothing  delights  Satan  more  than  to  thrust 
evolution  in  the  place  of  Providence,  human  theory  in  place  of 
Divine  doctrine.  5th.  Because  it  is  not  the  scriptural  method, 
ordained  by  Christ  and  the  prophets  and  apostles,  which  is  to 
fight  only  in  the  armor  of  God,  to  hold  fast  the  faithful  word 
that  by  sound  doctrine  we  may  be  able  both  to  exhort  and  con- 
vince the  gainsayers.  History  teaches  that  it  is  as  dangerous  for 
us  to  place  our  reason  by  the  side  of  God's  doctrine,  as  it  is  to 
place  our  righteousness  by  the  side  of  His  righteousness  ;  that 
many  a  teacher  in  doing  this  has  become  an  apostate.  Moses 
lost  his  Canaan  by  saying,  "  Must  we  bring  you  water  out  of 
this  rock  ?"  Who  can  conceive  the  prophet  Elijah  introducing 
into  the  theological  seminaries  in  Israel  over  which  he  pre- 
sided, a  department  of  Apologetics  ?  God  mercifully  adapted 
His  revelations  to  the  weakness  of  man  in  keeping  science  out 
of  the  Bible.  He  had  a  perfect  right  to  say  to  Moses, 
"  the  sun  which  gives  you  light  is  a  million  times  larger  than 
this  earth  ;  it  is  nearly  one  hundred  millions  of  miles  away  ;  it 
rushes  through  the  firmament  three  thousand  miles  in  one 
minute  of  time  ;  it  is  enveloped  in  immense  fiery  whirlwinds, 
and  moves  along  with  thunderings  whose  sound  no  human  ear 
could  endure."  Moses  amid  the  ridicule  of  a  world  would 
have  believed  God,  against  sight  and  reason  ;  his  only  apolo- 
getics would  have  been  the  power  and  truth  of  God.  Not  for 
one  moment  would  we  detract  from  the  glory  of  human  rea- 
son, that  marvellous  gift  of  God,  any  more  than  from  the  glory 
of  the  human  eye  ;  each  acting  in  its  own  sphere  is  to  be  ad- 
mired ;    each  usurping  the   prerogatives  of  any  other   power 


42  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

becomes  contemptible.  Reason  by  its  mental  and  moral 
philosophies  lifts  out  of  the  dirt  of  materialism,  but  faith  only- 
can  penetrate  the  eternal  realms.  Far  better  therefore  that 
the  strong  men  of  the  Church  should  bend  their  energies  to 
vast  subjects  of  theology  now  so  cursorily  studied  in  our  sem- 
inaries ;  that  there  should  be  distinct  professorships  of  the 
Biblical  Christology,  including  neglected  Typology ;  Bible 
Soteriology,  upon  which  the  strongest  intellect  on  earth  might 
well  devote  a  lifetime;  of  Biblical  Eschatology,  including  Psy- 
chology, Prophecy,  and  other  mighty  themes.  We  must  beware 
lest  in  our  Apologetics  we  lose  our  religion.  Many  of  the  works 
of  our  time  remind  us  of  the  attempt  of  the  owner  of  an  Irish 
castle  to  preserve  it  from  destruction.  As  he  passed  through 
the  admirable  walls  the  architect  had  erected,  he  found  no  castle 
left  to  preserve;  all  the  materials  had  been  employed  in  the 
means  of  defense.  Most  striking  is  the  fact  that  Schleiermacher, 
an  admitted  chief  among  the  rulers  of  German  thought,  derives 
his  fundamental  doctrine,  (which  gives  power  to  his  writings. 
and  is  a  first  step  out  of  a  frigid  rationalism),  namely,  that  re- 
ligion is  of  the  heart  and  not  of  the  intellect,  from  the  humble 
and  pious  Moravians  among  whom  he  was  brought  up  ;  and 
they  obtained  it  through  simple  faith  in  the  Bible. 

History  tells  us  that  from  that  early  hour,  when  the  glori- 
fied Prophet  of  the  Church  appeared  in  vision  as  if  through 
anxiety  for  His  people  He  had  left  His  throne  and  opened 
the  heavens,  and  sent  forth  warning  letters,  apostasies  have 
begun  in  neglecting  little  by  little  the  doctrines  of  the  faith  ; 
in  the  Church's  forgetting  \.]\q  real  treasure  committed  to  her 
care  and  its  priceless  value.  There  is  reason  to  fear  that  ig- 
norance of  what  the  Christian  religion  really  is  prevails  widely 
in  this  land.  Would  the  conceptions  which  most  Christians  have 
of  God  bear  an  exposure  ?  Would  not  Christ  say,  as  He  said  to 
the  Samaritan  woman, "Ye  worship  ye  know  not  what  ?"  Is  not 
this  loss  of  the  knowledge  of  God,  the  secret  of  the  loss  of  rev- 
erence in  the  family  and  in  the  nation,  and  is  it  not  the  de- 
struction of  one  of  the  pillars  without  which  no  house  can 
stand  ?  But  how  shall  they  believe  in  Him  of  whom  they 
have  not  heard  ?  We  believe  that  in  but  a  single  instance 
have  we  heard  a  sermon  upon  an   attribute  of  God  ;  never  on 


HISTORICAL   THEOLOGY.  4a 

His  eternity,  never  on  His  power  or  His  holiness.  If  the 
fault  is  in  the  seminaries  then  let  it  be  corrected.  Anyhow 
it  is  a  mistake  to  dwell  continually  upon  the  first  principles 
of  the  doctrine  of  Christ.  The  sublime  revelations  reaching 
from  eternity  to  eternity,  the  mighty  generalizations  of  the 
Bible  are  for  the  people.  When  Christ  uttered,  as  some  think 
His  mightiest  saying,  "  God  is  a  Spirit,"  He  gathered  not  the 
Rabbis  about  Him.  He  spoke  the  sublime  sentence  to  an 
outcast  woman. 

We  know  of  nothing  that  ought  so  to  sound  an  alarm  through 
all  the  holy  mountain  as  this  warning  of  history,  namely,  that 
apostasy  like  a  vast  tidal  wave  has  followed  right  on  the  track 
of  Christianity,  Beginning  among  the  churches  founded  by 
the  Apostles,  moving  steadily  onward  toward  the  West, 
apostasy  swept  away  the  old  seven  churches  of  Asia;  it  rolled 
over  the  immense  Greek  Church,  and  left  it  petrified  in  all  its 
branches ;  it  submerged  the  Latin  Church  and  left  it  a  mere 
hierarchy,  with  a  man  enthroned  in  the  temple  of  God.  Sure- 
ly we  might  have  hoped  that  our  Reformation  with  its  glo- 
rious liberty,  its  doctrines  of  justification  and  free  grace,  its 
open  Bible,  would  have  thrown  up  a  barrier  which  would  ar- 
rest the  destroying  power  ;  but  history,  with  clear  voice,  tells 
us  No.  It  points  to  the  very  breaches  through  which  the  awful 
destroyer  came,  and  now  in  the  broken  voice  of  a  Christlieb, 
fighting  nobly  in  the  ranks  of  the  seven  thousand,  tells  us  of 
an  apostate  Germany;  that  in  the  presence  of  the  greatest 
university  of  the  world,  out  of  the  one  million  of  Berlin,  only 
twenty  thousand  go  up  to  the  house  of  the  Lord  ;  and  among 
the  three  or  four  hundred  thousand  of  Hamburg,  but  five 
thousand  worshipers  of  the  God  of  heaven  seem  to  be  left- 
Blind  must  be  the  man  who  does  not  see  that  the  same  de- 
structive influence  is  reaching  England,  and  Scotland,  and 
America. 

Do  we  mean  to  say  that  the  religion  of  God  is  dependent 
upon  men ;  that  the  doctrine  of  the  Deity  of  Christ  depended 
upon  Athanasius  ;  that  upon  his  shoulders  rested  the  king- 
dom of  God  ?  No,  brethren  ;  but  the  battle  of  his  time  de- 
pended upon  that  leader.  The  English  and  American  Churches 
may  apostatize,  for  there  is  no  promise  that  they  shall  not,. 


44  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

but  the  kingdom  stands.  It  is  for  the  American  Church 
to  take  warning,  and  to  watch  unto  prayer,  and  to  remember 
another  thing  which  history  tells  us,  that  never  has  the  Church 
of  Christ  received  real  injury  from  external  powers.  She  had 
nothing  to  fear  from  imperial  Rome  with  her  armies  The  de- 
structive influence,  from  Judas  Iscariot  downward,  has  always 
come  from  within.  Let  the  Church  then  understand  that  her 
power  is  in  holding  fast  to  a  sound  theology,  with  mind  and 
heart.  Then  with  the  faith  that  said  to  the  sun  "  Stand  thou 
still,"  she  can  say  to  the  flood  of  destroying  waters,  "  Hitherto 
shalt  thou  come,  but  no  further:  and  here  shall  thy  proud 
waves  be  stayed."  What  then  is  that  Ideal  Seminary  toward 
which  all  our  efforts  ought  to  strive,  but  a  school  of 
the  prophets  of  God  ?  And  what  are  prophets  ?  They  are 
men  called  of  God,  anointed  by  Him,  filled  with  His  Spirit, 
waiting  to  hear  His  voice,  and  to  be  sent  on  His  errands. 
Their  study  is  His  law  and  His  revelations  from  eternity. 
Their  life  is  in  His  kingdom,  and  amid  its  celestial  scenery  ; 
their  fellowship  is  with  apostles  and  prophets,  and  that  illus- 
trious host,  who  through  faith  subdued  kingdoms,  wrought 
righteousness,  obtained  promises,  stopped  the  mouths  of  lions, 
quenched  the  violence  of  fire,  out  of  weakness  were  made 
strong,  waxed  valiant  in  fight,  turned  to  flight  the  armies  of 
the  aliens.  Their  principle  is  an  all-conquering  Faith,  their 
armor  is  the  armor  of  God,  their  one  weapon  is  the  Sword  of 
the  Spirit,  their  one  purpose  in  this  world  is  the  overthrow  of 
the  hellish  power  which  has  filled  the  earth  with  sin  and  misery 
and  the  re-enthronement  of  God  over  His  lost  inheritance  ;  and 
the  motive  that  leads  them  on  is  that  wondrous  light  which 
sets  aglow  all  the  hemisphere  of  the  future,  and  brings  out  in 
clear  vision  the  gates  and  streets,  the  mansions  and  multi- 
tudes of  the  city  of  God — even  the  glory  of  the  Lord  God  Al- 
mighty and  of  the  Lamb.  Toward  that  Ideal  may  God  help 
His  Church  to  reach,  for  that,  to  pray ;  and  when  another  cen- 
tury shall  have  passed  away,  and  all  this  assembly  shall  have 
gone  to  mingle  amid  other  scenes,  in  that  eternity  which 
enwraps  us  all,  and  which  is  full  of  God,  may  the  Church  be- 
hold her  Ideal  realized. 


HISTORICAL    DISCOURSE 


Prof.  David  D.  Demarest,  D.D, 


PREFATORY    NOTE. 

An  abstract  only  of  the  following  historical  discourse  was  delivered. 
Many  matters  of  interest  and  importance  were  necessarily  omitted 
entirely,  and  the  treatment  of  not  a  few  was  so  brief  as  to  be  unsatis- 
factory. The  reader  who  is  desirous  of  further  information  on  cognate 
subjects  is  directed  to  Dr.  Corwin's  Manual  of  the  Reformed  Church  in 
America,  Third  Edition,  1879 — the  grand  thesaurus  of  facts  pertaining 
to  the  history  of  the  Ref.  Dutch  Church  in  this  country,  its  institutions, 
ministers,  and  work,  and  to  which  the  compiler  of  this  History  acknowl- 
edges his  great  indebtedness  ;  also  to  Gunn's  Life  of  Livingston,  editions 
of  1829  and  1856;  to  Sprague's  Annals  of  the  American  Pulpit ;  and  to 
the  published  Minutes  of  the  General  Synod,  comprised  in  14  volumes, 
in  which  are  found  Reports  of  the  Board  of  Superintendents  and  of 
the  Committees  on  the  Professorate,  year  after  j-ear,  which  give  a 
detailed  account  of  the  History  of  the  Seminary. 

We  call  special  attention  to  the  first  volume  of  these  Minutes  which 
was  issued  by  the  Board  of  Publication  in  1859,  and  may  be  obtained  at 
34  Vesey  St.,  New  York  City.  It  is  of  great  value,  for  it  contains  trans- 
lations, made  by  Rev.  William  Demarest  at  the  request  of  the  General 
Synod,  of  a  part  of  the  Journal  of  the  Coetus,  of  some  of  the  letters  of 
the  Conferentie,  and  of  the  Minutes  of  the  old  Provisional  Synod> 
1771-93,  and  of  the  first  Particular  Synod,  1794-99,  which  were  kept  in 
the  Dutch  language  until  the  year  1793,  when  the  Minutes  began  to  be 
kept  in  English.  It  also  contains  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Synod, 
until  the  year  1812  inclusive.  The  volume  embraces  the  history  from 
the  establishment  of  the  Coetus,  through  the  periods  of  controversy, 
restored  union,  and  distributed  professorships,  to  the  opening  of  the 
school  at  New  Brunswick. 

The  book  containing  these  original  manuscript  Minutes  of  the  Coetus 
and  the  letters  of  the  Conferentie  was  found  in  1841,  among  the  papers 
of  Rev.  Dr,  Theodoric  Romeyn,  at  Schenectady ;  and  with  them  were 
also  found  manuscript  copies  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Synod  of  North 
Holland  for  several  years.  These  valuable  documents  were  presented 
to  the  General  Synod  in  1841,  by  Drs.  T.  Romeyn  Beck,  John  B.  and 
Lewis  C.  Beck,  grandsons  of  Rev.  Dr.  Romeyn.  The  Journal  of  the 
Coetus,  the  letters  of  the  Conferentie,  and  the  pamphlets  of  Leydt 
and  Ritzema  are  indispensable  in  the  stud}'  of  the  period  of  contro- 
versy. 

It  is  hoped  that  some  one  fairly  endowed  with  this  world's  goods 
will  be  moved  to  furnish  the  means  for  printing  the  translations  which 
have  been  made  of  these  valuable  pamphlets,  and  also  of  the  Amster- 
dam correspondence,  which  was  procured  some  years  ago  for  the 
General  Synod,  by  the  late  Hon.  J.  Romeyn  Brodhead. 


PRAYER 

By  Rev.  Francis  M.  Kip.  D.D. 

O  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  God  and  Father  of 
all  who  are  in  covenant  with  Him  through  the  blood  of  Christ,  the  God 
of  our  fathers,  we  have  come  to-night  to  praise  and  magnify  Thy  holy 
name  for  Thy  wonderful  works,  in  which  we  so  much  delight.  We 
thank  Thee,  O  God,  that  we  are  permitted  this  day  to  celebrate  the 
Centennial  of  our  beloved  Theological  Seminary.  We  thank  Thee  for 
enabling  those  who  advocated  its  foundation  to  bear  patiently  and  to 
struggle  earnestly  against  all  the  difficulties  by  which  they  were  sur- 
rounded, until  the  Institution  became  fairly  established,  and  that  it 
has  since  been  a  fountain  sending  forth  pure  streams  for  the  supply  of 
the  city  of  our  God.  We  thank  Thee,  O  Lord,  for  watching  over  the 
interests  of  this  Institution.  We  thank  Thee,  that  when  our  beloved 
and  honored  professors  have  been  called  to  pass  from  their  labors  here 
to  joy  and  glory  in  heaven,  others  have  always  been  found  qualified  to 
take  their  places  and  to  continue  to  prosecute  the  work  in  which  they 
were  engaged.  We  thank  Thee,  O  Lord,  for  the  favor  our  Institution 
has  received  at  the  hands  of  the  Church.  We  thank  Thee  for  the  many 
endowments  of  which  she  has  been  the  recipient.  We  thank  Thee  for 
the  hundreds  who  have  gone  hence  to  proclaim  the  glorious  Gospel  of 
Christ ;  and  we  thank  Thee,  that  while  many  have  fallen  asleep,  others 
have  been  continually  raised  up  to  carry  on  the  work  of  God  on  earth. 
We  pray  to-night  for  Thy  blessing  on  our  Seminary,  and  Thy  blessing 
on  its  professors.  Bestow  upon  them  richly  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit.  Do 
Thou  teach  them  how  to  teach  ;  and  grant  that  their  instruction  may 
be  of  vast  and  permanent  benefit  to  the  young  men  as  they  go  forth 
to  their  work.  And  do  Thou  bless  all  the  students  now  in  connection 
with  the  College ;  and  grant  to  them  the  grace  to  consecrate  themselves 
to  Thee  ;  to  lay  all  that  they  are  and  have  at  the  feet  of  Christ,  and 
when  they  go  forth,  to  go  to  preach  Christ  Jesus,  and  only  Christ  Jesus. 
We  thank  Thee,  our  Father  in  heaven,  for  the  mercies  which  have  been 
showered  upon  us  during  the  past  hundred  years.  They  demand  and 
receive  our  grateful  acknowledgment.  And  now  we  pray  for  a  blessing 
upon  the  Church  with  which  we  are  connected ;  that  pure  and  unde- 
filed  religion  may  prevail ;  that  the  doctrines  of  the  Reformation  may 
continue  to  be  honored  and  preached  ;  that  our  Church  may  be  a  grow- 
ing Church,  extending  her  cords  and  strengthening  her  stakes.  We 
pray  for  our  missionaries  in    foreign  lands;    that  the  Lord  will  make 


48  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

their  labors  not  only  abundant,  but  exceedingly  successful.  And  we 
ask,  O  God,  that  Thou  wilt  bless  all  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ — 
their  Lord  and  ours.  We  thank  Thee  that  the  various  Churches  are 
drawing  nearer  and  nearer  to  each  other  in  sweet  communion  and  fel- 
lowship ;  and  we  pray  that  the  whole  Church  in  our  land  and  through- 
out the  world  may  cherish  unity  of  spirit,  and  heartily  co-operate  in 
promoting  the  glory  and  extending  the  kingdom  of  our  common  Lord. 
And  now,  O  Lord,  be  with  us.  Assist  those  who  are  to  carr\-  on  the 
exercises  of  the  evening ;  make  them  profitable  to  us ;  make  ever)'  one 
in  this  assembly  a  child  of  God ;  and  may  we  all  be  permitted  to  unite 
in  the  grand  choral  song  in  heaven,  "  Unto  Him  who  loved  us  and 
washed  us  from  our  sins  in  His  own  blood,  and  has  made  us  kings  and 
priests  unto  God  and  his  Father,  to  Him  be  glory  and  dominion  for 
ever.     Amen. 


HISTORICAL    DISCOURSE. 

CHAPTER     I . 

PRELIMINARY  HISTORY.     1628-1747. 

Care  of  the  Dutch  Colonists  for  Religion— Their  Churches 
Supplied  with  Ministers  from  Holland — Ideas  of  Ministerial 
Qualifications— Increasing  Necessities  of  the  Churches- 
Difficulty  of  Obtaining  Ministers — An  Educational  Insti- 
tution Deemed  Essential — Ordinations  in  Special  Cases. 

At  a  "  General  Meeting  of  the  Ministers  and  Elders  of  the 
Dutch  Reformed  Churches  in  the  States  of  New  York  and 
New  Jersey,"  held  in  the  City  of  New  York,  from  the  5th  to 
the  8th  day  of  October,  1784,  Rev.  Dr.  John  Henry  Living- 
ston, one  of  the  pastors  of  the  Collegiate  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  of  New  York  City,  was  chosen  Professor  of  Sacred 
Theology,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Hermanns  Meyer,  minister  at  Pomp- 
ton  and  Totowa,  was  appointed  Instructor  in  the  Sacred 
Languages. 

In  these  appointments  of  October,  1784,  we  have  the  birth 
of  the  Theological  School,  whose  hundredth  anniversary  we 
to-day  celebrate.  Then  was  planted,  the  tree  that,  during  a 
century,  has  not  ceased  to  bear  fruit  from  year  to  year.  The 
school  was  begun  with  two  teachers;  it  has  never  had  less. 

This  Theological  School  owes  its  birth  to  the  prevailing  sen- 
timents in  regard  to  ministerial  education  that  were  brought 
by  the  Dutch  people  from  the  Fatherland,  and  which  were 
held,  without  exception,  by  all  the  early  ministers  and 
church  members.  It,  however,  took  its  particular  form, 
in  a  great  measure,  from  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the 
times,  and  as  the  result  of  compromise  between  discordant 
opinions  as  to  methods.  These  were  tenaciously  held  by  their 
respective  advocates,  and  had  been  made  the  platforms  of  par- 
ties, and  thus  for  a  long  time  had  prevented  united  action. 

Although  the  Dutch  colonists  came  to  New  Netherland,  not 
to  seek  religious  liberty,  but  solely  with   a  view  of  improving 


50  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

their  temporal  condition  by  means  of  trade  and  agriculture, 
yet  they  had  a  care  and  zeal  for  religion  and  the  Church.  They 
immediately  organized  churches  to  be  cared  for  by  the  author- 
ities in  Holland,  and  to  be  supplied  by  them  with  pastors.  As  the 
population  increased,  churches  were  multiplied,  and  calls  were 
sent  to  Holland  for  pastors.  This  state  of  things  continued 
for  nearly  a  century  and  a  half,  during  which  time  the  churches 
here  were  wards  of  the  Church  of  the  Netherlands,  and  with- 
out an  authority  to  ordain  ministers,  that  was  acknowledged  by 
the  Mother  Church.  The  ministers  were  at  the  first  provided 
by  the  concurrent  action  of  the  West  India  Company  and  the 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  and  after  the  surrender  of  the  province 
to  the  English  in  1664,  chiefly  by  this  Classis  alone,  to  which 
the  Synod  of  North  Holland  committed  the  affairs  of  the  Amer- 
ican Churches.  The  Classis  sent,  as  they  were  needed,  men 
who  had  been  educated  in  the  universities  of  Holland,  to  be 
pastors  of  the  churches,  which,  for  many  years,  acknowledged 
their  dependence  on  that  body,  and  its  authority  as  well. 

At  the  beginning,  and  for  some  time  afterwards,  this  de- 
pendence on  the  Mother  Church  was  both  necessary  and  de- 
sirable. The  shepherds  of  the  flocks  in  the  American  wilder- 
ness came  from  a  grand  old  country,  the  cradle  of  civil  and 
religious  liberty  ;  the  experimental  school  of  free  institutions  ; 
the  marvel  of  the  world  for  commercial  enterprise,  and  mili- 
tary and  naval  prowess  ;  the  home  of  classical,  political  and 
polite  literature,  of  jurisprudence  and  theology;  rich  at  the 
time  in  fresh  memories  of  its  protracted  struggle  for  independ- 
ence and  sovereignty  ;  a  land  which  gave  welcome  and  rest  to 
the  Huguenot  of  France,  the  Presbyterian  of  Scotland,  the  Dis- 
senter of  England,  the  Jew  of  Spain  and  Portugal,  the  Ana- 
baptist of  Germany,  and  the  Waldensian  of  Italy;  a  land 
whose  merited  praises  have  been  so  well  celebrated  by  our  dis- 
tinguished historians,  Prescott  and   Motley. 

It  was  no  disadvantage  to  the  young  churches  in  America  to 
have  ministers  who  had  been  trained  in  the  famous  schools  of 
the  Fatherland,  who  were  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  its  people, 
and  who  were  loyal  to  its  traditions. 

The  "Churches  under  the  Cross"  in  the  Netherlands  be- 
lieved, not  only  that  the  graces  of  the  Spirit  were  indispensa- 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  5t 

ble  qualifications  for  the  ministerial  office,  but  also  that  human 
learning  Avas  important.  Very  soon  after  the  persecutions  had 
ceased,  abundant  provision  was  made  for  the  training  of 
young  men  in  classical,  scientific,  and  liberal  studies,  as  well 
as  in  theology,  by  the  establishment  of  the  celebrated  univer- 
sities of  Leyden,  Franeker,  Groningen,  and  Utrecht ;  and  a 
man  who  had  not  sat  at  the  feet  of  some  of  their  learned  pro- 
fessors was  presumed  to  be  inadequately  furnished  for  the 
sacred  ministry. 

This  feeling  was  probably  intensified  by  the  Arminian  con- 
troversy, which,  in  the  early  part  of  the  17th  century,  not 
only  engaged  the  attention  of  clergymen  and  statesmen,  but 
pervaded  all  ranks  and  classes  of  the  people.  Every  one  had 
taken  his  position  as  a  Remonstrant  or  Contra-Remonstrant, 
an  Arminian  or  Gomarist.  Not  only  the  professors  in  the  un- 
iversities and  the  ministers  and  elders  in  their  consistorial  and 
classical  meetings,  but  the  common  people  in  their  homes  and 
places  of  business  discussed  the  high  themes  of  Predestination, 
Depravity,  Redemption,  Conversion,  and  Perseverance.  Mer- 
chants and  mechanics,  butchers  and  bakers,  diggers  of  the 
canals  and  repairers  of  the  dykes,  the  boatmen  in  the  trecks- 
chuyt  and  the  millers  in  the  windmills,  in  intervals  of  leisure, 
improved  the  time  by  arguing  the  merits  of  the  questions  that 
were  so  warmly  discussed  by  Arminius  and  Gomarus  at  Ley- 
den. 

In  due  time  (1618)  the  famous  Synod  of  Dordrecht  was  con- 
vened by  which  the  opinions  of  the  Remonstrants  were  con- 
demned ;  the  leaders  were  deposed  from  their  offices  and 
judged  to  be  unAvorthy  of  academical  functions;  and  the 
Canons  of  the  Synod  of  Dort  were  placed  among  the  stand- 
ards for  ministerial  subscription. 

Is  it  to  be  wondered  at  that  under  such  circumstances  the 
feeling  should  have  become  universal  and  intense  that  the  ut- 
most pains  must  be  taken  to  secure  a  ministry  that  should  not 
only  be  able  to  expound  the  faith,  but  also  to  defend  it  against 
all  gainsayers  ?  Every  one,  no  matter  on  which  side  he  was, 
felt  the  importance  of  guarding  against  the  calamity  of  hav- 
ing blind  leaders  of  the  blind. 

The  colonists   coming  to  this  country  out   of  the  midst  of 


52  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

this  state  of  things  (for  the  settlement  of  New  Netherland  was 
begun  very  soon  after  the  adjournment  of  the  Synod  of  Dort) 
brought  with  them  the  principles  they  had  held,  and  the  feel- 
ings they  had  cherished,  while  at  home.  They  were  Holland- 
ers in  America,  and  the  churches  here  formed  by  them  were 
Netherland  Reformed  Churches.  ''CceIuvi,  non  aninmin,  muia7it, 
qui  trans  mare  curriinty 

These  facts  furnish  the  key  to  an  understanding  of  many 
things  in  the  history  of  the  founding  of  this  Theological  School 
that  would  otherwise  appear  very  strange,  if  not  inexplicable. 
By  the  light  of  these  facts  alone  can  we  clearly  see  the  nature 
of  the  obstacles  that  were  in  the  way  of  securing  a  satisfactory 
provision  for  theological  education  in  this  country,  and  the  rea- 
sons for  the  measures  that  had  to  be  taken  so  prudently  for  the 
solution  of  perplexing  problems,  for  the  removal  of  prejudices, 
and  for  the  securing  of  harmonious  action. 

The  few  large  and  strong  churches  in  New  Netherland  were 
readily  supplied  with  suitable  ministers,  for  the  positions  were 
desirable;  but  it  was  not  so  with  the  churches  planted  at  a  dis- 
tance from  the  seaboard  and  centres  of  trade,  in  remote  farm- 
ing districts,and  on  the  edge  of  the  wilderness.  These  were  not 
sought  after,  and  the  trouble  and  expense  of  procuring  ministers 
for  them  from  Holland  were  very  great.  In  time  the  churches 
greatly  outnumbered  the  ministers,  and  some  churches  could 
not  be  supplied  with  pastors  at  all,  but  had  to  be  satisfied  with 
the  services  of  the  Voorleser,*  and  the  occasional  ministra- 
tions, at  long  intervals,  of  the  pastors  of  other  churches,  who, 
leaving  their  own  flocks,  spent  much  time,  and  made  long  and 
wearisome  journeys  to  render  such  services.  Of  the  young 
men  of  the  country  who  were  inclined  to  the  ministry,  few 
could  go  to  Holland  to  pursue  the  necessary  studies,  for  they 
had  not  the  pecuniary  means  needed,  and  the  churches  were 
too  poor  to  send  them,  or  could  not  afford  to  wait  for  them, 
and,  besides,  the  perils  of  the  sea  were  in  those  days  a  dread 
reality. 

The  difficulties  connected  with  the  supply  of  ministers,  and 

*  Clerk,  or  precentor.  He  read  the  Commandments  and  a  chapter  to  the  congre- 
gation and  announced  the  first  psalm  to  be  sung  before  the  minister  entered  the  i  ul- 
pit.    He  also  led  in  the  singing. 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  53 

with  the  exercise  of  discipline,  increasing,  rather  than  dimin- 
ishing, led,all  thinking  minds  and  friends  of  rehgion  to  see  that 
if  the  Church  was  to  continue  to  live  in  this  country  some  pro- 
vision must  be  made  for  the  education  of  young  men  in  Theol- 
ogy, and  for  their  induction  into  the  ministerial  office  here. 
How  could  it  be  done  ?  was  the  perplexing  question,  and  about 
which  serious  differences  of  opinion  were  soon  shown.  Yet  all 
agreed  in  the  general  idea  that  it  must  be  by  some  Academy* 
or  College  in  which  not  only  Theology,  but  the  preparatory 
branches  of  study,  belonging  to  a  classical  and  liberal  educa- 
tion should  be  taught.  In  the  Fatherland,  ministerial  educa- 
tion was  not  intrusted  to  ordinary  pastors,  but  to  professors 
in  the  universities;  and  men  who  had  not  enjoyed  the  teach- 
ings of  these  professors  were  inducted  into  the  ministry  only 
when  they  exhibited  singular  gifts  for  the  work.  They  were 
regarded  as  exceptions  to  the  rule.  This  view  was  held  by  the 
Fathers  in  this  country,  and  it  has  shaped  the  policy  of  the 
Reformed  Dutch  Church  on  this  matter  down  to  the  present 
time.  While  in  most  of  the  denominations  theological  schools 
have  been  established  on  the  ground  of  usefulness  and  expedi- 
ency, in  ours  they  are  made  a  necessity.  By  the  Constitution  no 
man  can  be  admitted  to  an  examination  for  license  by  aClassis 
without  a  certificate  given  by  the  professors  of  one  of  the 
Theological  Schools  of  the  Church,  declaring  that  he  has  pur- 
sued in  it  the  course  of  studies  prescribed  by  the  General 
Synod,  and  for  the  full  term  of  three  years.  Dispensations 
from  some  or  all  of  the  constitutional  requirements  are  granted 
in  special  cases  by  the  Synod  for  good  cause  and  on  recom- 
mendation of  a  Classis. 

While,  therefore,  the  Congregational  and  Presbyterian 
Churches  in  this  country  began  at  once  to  raise  up  ministers 
for  themselves,  and  had  their  Councils  or  Presbyteries  to  ordain, 
the  Dutch  Churches  were  powerless  in  the  matter,  and  thus 
were  placed  at  a  great  disadvantage.  The  American  Episcopal 
Church  also  suffered  much  in  a  similar  way,  for  she  had  no 
Bishop,  and  consequently  no  power  of  ordination  until  after 
the  Revolution. 


'Tiie  wDrd  Academy  in  the  language  of  the  times  meant  College  or  University. 


54  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

It  seems  strange  to  us  that  the  churches  could  have  con- 
tinued to  exist  for  three  generations  under  this  state  of  things  ; 
for  more  than  a  hundred  years  had  passed  before  the  first  steps 
were  taken  toward  the  founding  of  an  institution  for  ministe- 
rial education. 

Under  stress  of  necessity  something  was  here  done,  but  more 
or  less  irregularly,  in  the  matter  of  ordination.  From  the  first 
planting  of  the  Church,  in  1628,  until  1747,  a  period  of  119 
years,  there  were  just  eight  ordinations  of  ministers  for  the 
Dutch  Churches.  The  first  Dutch  minister  ordained  in  this 
country  received  his  ordination  from  a  Classis  specially  con- 
stituted for  that  purpose,  composed  of  the  four  ministers 
who  were  at  the  time  (1679)  in  the  country,  and  whose  action 
was  subsequently  ratified  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  An- 
other one  was  ordained  in  1710  by  a  single  minister,  who  was 
rebuked  by  the  Classis  for  his  irregular  act.  Another  was 
ordained  in  1727  by  a  Congregational  Council  at  New  Haven. 
Another  was  ordained  in  1729  for  the  German  Reformed 
Church,  which  was  at  that  time  under  care  of  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  by  two  pastors  of  the  Collegiate  Church  of  New 
York,  who  had  been  authorized  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to 
perform  the  act.  Another  was  ordained  in  1736  by  two  minis- 
ters authorized  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  Another  was 
ordained  in  1737  by  the  Presbyterian  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  to 
serve  the  German  Churches  in  the  vicinity  of  that  city.  An- 
other was  ordained  the  same  'year  by  two  ministers  on  their 
own  motion.  After  having  served  in  the  ministry  for  ten 
years  he  submitted  (the  validity  of  his  ordination  having  been 
questioned)  to  a  new  examination  and  to  re-ordination.  The 
last  one  was  ordained  by  a  single  minister  in  1741,  who  in 
1744  re-ordained  him  by  permission  of  the  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam, in  order  to  satisfy  those  who  found  fault  with  the  first 
ordination. 

This  preliminary  history  fitly  leads  to  a  consideration  of  the 
methods  and  agencies  that  were  then  proposed,  and  to  some 
extent  used  in  providing  the  Churches  with  pastors  before  the 
election  of  the  first  Professor  of  Theology. 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  55 

CHAPTER     II. 

PROPOSED  METHODS.  1747-1784. 
CoETus  Established — Examinations  by  the  Coetus  Permitted — 
Forbidden— CoETUs  seeks  to  become  a  Classis — Ministers  with- 
draw FROM  IT — Coetus  and  Conferentie  Controversy — Pro- 
fessorship OF  Divinity  in  King's  College — Frelinghuysen's 
Effort— The  American  Classis— First  Charter  of  Queen's 
College — Union  with  Princeton  College  proposed — Second 
Charter  of  Queen's  College — Articles  of  Union — Efforts  of 
the  Trustees  and  Synod— Action  Postponed— Livingston  and 
Meyer  elected. 

I.      THE  COETUS. 

The  formation  of  a  Coetus  or  Assembly  of  ministers  and  eld- 
ers to  consider  ecclesiastical  matters  "in  subordination  to  the 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,"  was  at  length  agreed  upon.  The  Classis 
itself  had  suggested  and  recommended  the  formation  of  this 
body  as  early  as  1736;  and  yet  for  some  reason  not  known, 
the  granting  of  the  application  of  it,  made  in  1738,  was  de- 
layed nine  years.  By  the  fundamental  articles  of  the  Coetus 
it  was  provided  that  a  general  letter  should  be  sent  by  this  As- 
sembly to  the  Classis  every  year  "  to  make  known  to  it  the  ec- 
clesiastical condition  of  the  congregations  in  these  provinces." 
It  was  also  provided  that,  "  Henceforth  it  shall  be  expressly 
stipulated  in  all  calls  that  the  minister  shall  belong  to  the 
Coetus,  and  hold  himself  subject  to  it."  The  first  meeting 
was  held  in  New  York  City,  Sept.  8th,  1747,  and  five  min- 
isters and  five  elders  were  present.  At  this  meeting  the  stu- 
dent, Benjamin  Vanderlinde,  asked  (permission  having  been 
granted  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam)  that  he  might  be  ad- 
mitted to  examination  for  licensure,  which  request  was  granted. 
In  the  light  of  this  case  it  appears  strange  to  us  that  the  sub- 
ject of  the  examination  and  ordination  of  candidates  for  the 
ministry  is  not  even  alluded  to  in  the  fundamental  articles  of 
the  Coetus.  But  as  Mr.  Vanderlinde  had,  previously  to  the 
establishment  of  the  Coetus,  obtained  permission  from  the  Clas- 
sis of  Amsterdam  to  be  examined  by  the  proposed  body  when 
it  should  be  established,  we  would  naturally  infer  that  it  was 
understood,  though  not  expressly  mentioned,  that  this  was  to 
be  one  of  the  functions  of  the  Coetus,  to  be  exercised  strictly 


56  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

in  "  subordination  to  the  Classis."  But  this  was  not  so.  The 
Classis  intended  this  to  be  a  special  case,  and  not  one  which 
was  to  be  regarded  as  a  precedent  for  the  encouragement  of 
others  to  make  applications  of  this  sort.  The  Classis  had  writ- 
ten, eight  years  before,  that  they  would  allow  a  Coetus  under 
the  "  express  condition  that  care  was  taken  not  to  have  a 
word  uttered  against  the  doctrine,  and  to  have  no  preparatory 
or  final  examinations  for  candidates  or  ministers."  But  the 
Coetus  promptly  assumed  that  this  case  was  intended  to  be  a 
precedent,  and  that  a  favorable  opportunity  was  now  presented 
for  meeting  the  general  pressing  need  of  the  Churches.  It 
acted  immediately  on  this  assumption  by  adopting  the  follow- 
ing legislation  on  the  subject : 

1.  '*  That  henceforward  in  all  these  cases,  a  student  shall  pay 
for  his  preparatory  examination  eight  pounds,*  New  York 
money  ;  four  of  which  must  be  paid  before  he  is  allowed  to  ap- 
pear, in  order  to  prevent  any  one  from  coming  rashly  before 
us  and  putting  the  Coetus  to  needless  expense  in  case  of  his 
unfitness,  and  the  remainder  when  he  shall  be  approved.  The 
final  examination  shall  be  at  the  expense  of  the  congregation 
which  calls  the  candidate,  and  they  shall  pay  twenty  pounds 
($50)  New  York  currency,  in  order  that  they  may  not,  merely 
out  of  a  so-called  economy,  be  driven  to  the  preferring  of 
those  who  pursue  their  studies  in  this  country. 

2.  That  no  student  shall  undergo  the  preparatory  examina- 
tion, except  in  a  regular  systematic  manner,  not  only  upon 
Theology,  but  also  upon  the  original  languages  of  the  Bible,, 
as  is  commonly  done  in  the  Rev.  Classes  of  the  Netherlands."' 

It  was  determined  that  "  henceforth  no  preacher  nor  preach- 
ers, apart  from  the  Coetus,  shall  undertake  on  behalf  of  any 
student,  to  solicit  from  the  Rev.  Classis  authority  or  power  to 
qualify  him  ;  but  this  shall  pertain  to  the  Coetus,  before  whom 
the  student  shall  present  himself  with  sufficient  testimonials 
from  his  teacher  or  teachers,  in  order  to  ask  the  Coetus  itself 
to  write  for  him  to  the  Rev.  Classis." 

It  is  clear  from  this  action  that  the  Coetus  did  not  propose 
to  open  the  door  very  widely  for  the  admission  of  incompetent 


^Twenty  dollars :  a  pound  being  two  dollars  and  fifty  cents. 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  57 

and  uneducated  persons  into  the  ministry.  And  yet,  after  two 
examinations  of  students  for  licensure  had  been  held,  viz : 
those  of  Vanderlinde  and  Leydt,  the  latter  of  whom  became 
pastor  at  New  Brunswick,  and  one,  that  of  J.  H.  Goetschius,  for 
ordination,  the  Classis  forbade  the  Coetus  to  make  any  farther 
applications  of  this  sort,  doubtless  fearing  that  an  imperfectly- 
educated  ministry  would  thus  come  in,  and  also  that  the  young 
progressive  element  would  by  this  means  obtain  a  predomina- 
ting influence  in  the  American  churches.  The  older  ministers 
who  had  come  from  Holland  universities,  naturally  thought  that 
this  liberty  was  fraught  with  danger,  and  the  influence  of  their 
opinions  on  the  members  of  the  Classis  must  have  been  great. 

The  Coetus  readily  submitted  to  the  action  of  the  Classis, 
for  in  a  letter  dated  Oct.  i8,  1749,  they  say:  "The  Rev. 
Assembly  will  please  to  observe,  that,  whereas  we  have  been 
warned  henceforth  not  to  make  the  least  request  for  permis- 
sion to  examine  any  one  for  the  ministry,  (although  the  Coetus 
felt  itself  bound  to  make  application  for  Peter  DeWint,  the 
candidate  whose  testimonials  from  the  Church  and  the  Classis 
are  sent  herewith),  we  acquiesce  entirely  therein."  However, 
at  their  earnest  solicitation,  two  other  students  were  subse- 
quently permitted  to  be  examined,  licensed  and  ordained,  viz  : 
Samuel  Verbryck  and  David  Marinus. 

But  this  prohibition  could  not  make  a  final  settlement  of 
the  matter.  On  the  contrary,  it  hastened  the  coming  of  the 
inevitable  crisis,  though  the  disappointment  at  the  time  was 
great ;  for  the  movement  was  checked  just  as  it  was  beginning 
to  fulfil  the  promise  of  important  results.  The  Coetus,  finding 
it  impossible  with  its  very  limited  powers  to  render  much  ser- 
vice to  the  churches,  at  last  resolved  unanimously,  on  the  19th 
of  September,  1754,  to  apply  to  be  made  a  Classis,  with  full 
powers  to  examine,  license  and  ordain,  and  to  administer  dis- 
cipline, provided  the  Consistories  and  congregations  should 
agree  to  the  measure. 

But  before  the  reports  on  this  question  could  be  received 
from  the  churches,  a  movement  was  made  that  completely 
changed  the  condition  of  things,  disturbed  the  peace  of  the 
churches,  and  put  back  the  causes  of  ecclesiastical  indepen- 
dence and  ministerial  education.     It  was  the  opposition  that 


58  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

was  raised  against  this  movement  of  the  Coetus,  and  which  was 
connected  with  a  plan  for  the  estabHshment  in  King's  College, 
New  York,  of  a  Professorship  of  Divinity  for  the  Dutch  Church. 

We  cannot  learn  from  the  minutes  of  the  closing  meeting  of 
the  undivided  Coetus  of  September,  1754,  that  serious  oppo 
sition  was  made  at  the  time  to  the  proposed  action  on  the 
change  into  a  Classis.  On  the  contrary,  it  is  recorded  "  that 
the  President  requested  the  members  severally  to  state  their 
views  on  the  subject.  Some  of  the  brethren  advised  that 
things  should  remain  in  statu  quo,  but  others  that  there  should 
be  a  change  to  a  better  form.  The  conclusion  to  which  they 
came  with  *  sufficient  unanimity,'  was,  that  the  Coetus  should 
seek  to  be  changed  into  a  Classis,  the  precise  form  to  be  for 
future  consideration."  The  draft  having  been  again  read,  it 
was  unanunoiisly  approved  and  ordered  to  be  signed  by  the 
President  and  Clerk,  which  was  then  done.  It  is  recorded 
that  the  "Assembly,  well  satisfied  with  the  harmony  and  love 
which  had  prevailed,  separated  with  thanksgiving  and  prayer 
to  God."  The  whole  proceeding  appears  to  have  been  con- 
ducted in  a  temperate  spirit,  to  a  conclusion  acquiesced  in  by  all. 
Why  then  did  the  Rev.  J.  Ritzema,  who  was  the  President 
of  the  Coetus  at  this  last  session,  and  others  repudiate  this 
action,  secede  from  the  Coetus,  declare  it  to  be  broken  up, 
set  their  faces  against  the  formation  of  a  Classis,  and  place  them- 
selves again  under  the  immediate  care  of  the  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam ?  We  cannot  but  suspect  that  they  became  alarmed,  fore- 
seeing that  power  would  pass  into  the  hands  of  the  younger 
ministers,  who  were  active,  progressive,  radical  and  determined, 
and  that  the  old  conservative  element  would  be  henceforth  in 
a  hopeless  minority.  In  fact,  in  their  letters  to  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  they  expressed  themselves  strongly  against  the 
principle  that  questions  should  be  determined  by  a  major- 
ity of  voters.  They  may  have  honestly  thought  that  the  inter- 
ests of  the  Church  would  fall  into  unsafe  hands.  But  they  saw 
also  just  at  this  time  an  opportunity  for  securing  Theological 
Education,  which  a  few  of  them  would  be  able  to  control ;  and 
who   will  dare   to  say  that   this    did  not   have   an  influence  in 

them  ?    Of  this  we  will  speak    more    fully   in  another    place. 
There  was  now  developed  a  very  strong  feeling  of  opposition 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  50 

to  the  change  which  had  been  agreed  upon  ;  and  it  was  use- 
less to  apply  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  under  the  circum- 
stances. Five  of  the  ministers  who  professed  this  feeHng  met 
informally  "in  Conferentie,"  which  became  their  party  name, 
on  the  30th  Sept.  1755,  and  united  in  a  letter  to  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam.  Meetings  were  afterwards  held  by  them  and 
others  who  joined  them,  and  letters  were  sent  from  time  to 
time  to  the  Classis,  full  of  complaints  of  the  acts  of  the  Coetus 
party  and  of  abuse  of  its  members.  They  formally  organized 
in  .1764,  claiming  to  be  the  original  Coetus,  whose  articles  they 
adopted  and  each  one  subscribed.  Their  last  meeting  was 
held  in  October,  1767.  By  permission  of  the  Classis  the  Con- 
ferentie ministers  in  1765  examined  and  ordained  one  candi- 
date, Gerrit  Lydekker,  who  had  studied  under  Ritzema,  Kails 
and  Goetschius. 

But  what  became  of  the  Coetus?  It  continued  to  exist  and 
act,  after  the  secession  of  the  Conferentie  in  1754'  This  is 
evident  from  the  letters  of  the  Conferentie,  from  various  tracts 
of  the  times,  and  from  other  documents  ;  although  the  minutes 
of  their  meetings  are,  we  fear,  irrecoverably  lost.  The  minutes 
of  the  meetings  that  had  been  held  previous  to  the  secession 
were  retained  by  Mr.  Ritzema,  and  he  justified  himself  in 
keeping  possession  of  them  on  the  ground  that  the  Coetus  was 
a  defunct  body,  and  that  he,  as  the  last  president,  was  the  law- 
ful custodian  of  the  effects  of  the  deceased.  The  Conferentie 
recorded  their  letters  and  proceedings  in  the  same  book  that 
contained  the  minutes  of  the  Coetus. 

Not  only  did  the  Coetus  continue  to  live,  but  it  had  converted 
itself  into  an  independent  Classis.  It  took  the  responsibility  of 
performing  all  the  functions  of  a  Classis,  and  doing  what  it 
could  to  supply  the  needs  of  suffering  congregations  by  exam- 
ining students  and  putting  them  into  the  pastoral  office.  Nine 
young  men  were  inducted  by  this  independent  American  Clas- 
sis into  the  ministry. '- 

•Their  names   were  Henricus  Frelinghuysen,  Jacob  Rutsen  Hardenbergh,  

Barcolo,  Jacobus  Van  Nist,  John  M.  Goetschius,  Henricus  Schoonmaker,  Benjamin 
DuBois,  Martinus  Schoonmaker,  Dirck  Romeyn.  These  men  had  studied  under 
various  ministers  as  Dorstius,  Frelinghuysen  and  others.  This  method  was  regarded 
by  the  Coetus  as  temporary.  The  establishment  of  an  Institution  with  professors  of 
Theology  was  ever  kept  in  view. 


GO  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

This  course  of  the  Coetus  irritated  the  members  of  the  Con- 
ferentie,  as  their  own  letters  to  the  Classis  abundantly  prove. 
The  churches  were  divided,  and  the  controversy  was  carried  on 
with  much  feeling  during  fifteen  years. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  was  greatly  moved  by  these 
dissensions,  and  earnestly  exhorted  the  parties  to  cultivate 
brotherly  love,  and  to  pursue  the  things  that  make  for  peace. 
The  Classis  could  not  but  feel  a  true  and  deep  interest  in  the 
American  churches,  some  of  which  had  been  planted  more  than 
a  hundred  years  before,  and  had  been  carefully  nurtured  by 
her  for  successive  generations.  The  claim  for  freedom  and 
independent  authority  looked  like  a  proof  of  ingratitude  on 
the  part  of  children  for  whom  so  much  had  been  done.  The 
Classis  reminded  them  that  nothing  had  been  received  from 
the  churches  in  America  but  care  and  anxiety.  Very  likely  the 
Classis  thought  that  the  best  interests  of  the  churches  and  the 
cause  of  religion  demanded  a  continuance  of  parental  care  and 
authority.  It  was  so  represented  to  them  by  the  ministers  of 
the  Conferentie,  some  of  whom  were  native  Hollanders,  with 
whom  they  were  personally  acquainted,  and  who  were  confess- 
edly the  most  learned  Dutch  ministers  in  the  country. 
Ecclesiastical  independence  was,  according  to  them,  fraught 
with  disaster,  and  was  it  not  the  duty  of  the  Classis  to  save 
these  churches  from  ruin  ?  Mingled  with  such  views  there  was 
doubtless  a  natural  reluctance  to  part  with  authority  that  had 
come  down  as  an  inheritance  from  their  fathers. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  and  the  Synod  of  North  Holland 
were  both  greatly  offended  by  the  tone  of  two  pamphlets  of 
the  period,  from  the  pen  of  Rev.  John  Leydt,  minister  at  New 
Brunswick.  He  took  very  radical  views  and  expressed  them 
in  unambiguous  and  forcible  Dutch  terms,  utterly  repudiating 
the  authority  of  the  Classis  over  the  churches  in  this  country, 
and  claiming  not  only  that  they  were  competent  to  manage 
their  own  affairs,  but  that  in  the  nature  of  the  case  they  had 
full  and  unrestricted  authority  to  manage  them,  under  the 
Great  Head  of  the  Church,  and  in  accordance  with  the  rules 
and  orders  of  the  Synod  of  Dordrecht.  He  denied  that  either 
churches  or  ministers  belonged  in  any  way  to  the  Classis  of  Am- 
sterdam. His  pamphlets  were  answered  by  Mr  Ritzema.    This 


HISrORICAL   DISCOURSE.  01 

controversy  did  not  tend  to  immediate  peace.  The  Classisand 
Synod  declared  that  they  had  been  insulted  and  outraged  by 
the  manner  in  which  Mr.  Leydt  had  expressed  himself. 

Yet  in  all  this  strife  there  was  an  educational  process.  It 
prepared  all  parties  for  the  inevitable  coming  event,  the  estab- 
lishment of  Ecclesiastical  independence.  Already  all  parties, 
Classis,  Coetus,  Conferentie,  were  agreed  in  the  general  idea 
that  in  some  way  a  ministry  must  be  raised  up  in  America  for 
the  American  churches,  and  that  an  Educational  Institution 
must  be  provided  for  the  purpose.  But  what  should  that  In- 
stitution be  ?  The  Coetus  advocated  an  independent  denom- 
inational College,  which  should  be  entirely  under  the  control 
of  the  Dutch  people,  and  in  which  the  classics,  philosophy,  etc., 
should  be  taught  as  well  as  divinity.  The  Conferentie,  or  at 
least  the  active  members  of  it,  wished  to  establish  a  professor- 
ship of  divinity  in  connection  with  an  already  existing  College, 
and  which  was  under  the  control  of  another  denomination. 
The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  expressed  itself  as  ready  to  fall  in 
with  any  plan  that  might  be  agreed  upon,  but  could  do  nothing 
so  long  as  the  parties  here  w'ere  so  widely  divided.  It  is  usually 
thought  that  the  Conferentie  were  opposed  to  the  introduction 
of  theological  education  here,  which  is  not  the  case.  They  were, 
besides  denying  the  authority  of  the  Coetus,  opposed  to  its  me- 
thods of  examining  and  ordaming  men  who  had  pursued  their 
preparatory  studies  with  pastors  here,  but  they  were  the  first  to 
move  openly  for  the  establishment  of  a  professorship  of  divinity. 

We  now  go  back  to  the  secession  from  the  Coetus,  which  took 
place  in  1754.  We  said  that  just  at  the  time  an  opportunity 
was  presented  for  securing  theological  education  by  a  method 
which  a  few  of  them  would  be  able  to  control,  and  that  this 
doubtless  had  its  influence.     We  referred  to  : 

II.     THE  PROFESSORSHIP  OF  DIVINITY  IN  KING'S  COLLEGE. 

The  citizens  of  New  York  had  long  hoped  for  the  establish- 
ment of  a  College  among  them,  so  that  their  sons  would  not  be 
obliged  to  resort  to  neighboring  States  to  procure  a  liberal 
education.  But  difficulties  were  in  the  way,  arising  from  the 
fact  that  the  people  were  of  various  nationalities  and  religious 
denominations.     The  non-Episcopalians  jealously  watched  the 


62  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

English  authorities,  dreading  the  estabhshment  of  a  State 
Church,  in  regard  to  which  the  Ministry  Act  of  Gov.  Fletcher, 
in  1693,  had  naturally  awakened  their  fears. 

However,  they  made  a  beginning  by  raising  a  fund  for  the 
"  encouragement  of  learning,"  by  means  of  successive  lotteries^ 
authorized  by  acts  of  Assembly,  the  first  one  of  which  was 
passed  in  1746.  In  1751  the  moneys,  amounting  to  ^^3,443 
1 8s.,  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  ten  trustees,  seven  of 
whom  were  Episcopalians,*  two  Dutch  Reformed,  and  one 
Presbyterian  ;  it  being  understood  that  the  fund  was  intended 
for  the  founding  of  a  College.  The  fact  that  Episcopalians 
were  so  largely  in  the  majority  in  this  Board  of  Trustees 
naturally  awakened  suspicion  and  alarm,  which  were  increased 
by  rumors  that  it  was  their  intention  to  obtain,  if  possible,  a 
College  that  should  be  under  the  control  of  the  denomination 
of  Christians  with  which  they  were  connected. 

The  sole  representative  in  this  Board  of  the  English  Presby- 
terians was  William.  Livingston,  a  young  lawyer,  who  was  sub- 
sequently Governor  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  Member  of 
Congress  and  General  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution.  He  was 
strongly  opposed  to  the  establishment  of  a  College  that  should 
be  under  the  control  of  any  one  denomination.  He  contended 
that  as  the  proposed  College  was  to  be  for  the  benefit  of  the 
people  at  large  and  would  be  dependent  for  students  and 
money  on  all  the  religious  denominations,  and  the  Assembly 
had  voted  funds  for  its  establishment  and  support,  it  would  be 
wrong  to  place  it  under  the  predominating  influence  of  any 
one  denomination,  and  certainly  not  of  the  Episcopal,  which  was 
by  no  means  the  largest  of  the  Churches  represented  by  the  ten 
trustees.  He  edited  the  Independent  Reflector,  in  which  he 
published,  during  the  year  1753,  a  number  of  vigorous  articles^ 
in  which  he  contended  that  the  College  should  be  established, 
not  by  royal  charter,  but  by  an  Act  of  Assembly,  and  "  on  a  basis 
the  most  catholic,  independent  and  free."  He  afterwards  ad- 
vocated the  same  views  in  a  number  of  articles  in  the  New 
York  Mercury  owQX  the  signature  of  "  The  Watch  Tower." 


*  Six  of  these  were  members  ex  officio,  viz  :  the  eldest  Councillor  of  the  PTovince 
the  Speaker  of  the  Assembly,  the  Judges  of  the   Supreme  Court,  and  the  Mayor  of 
the  City  of  New  York. 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  65 

Public  sentiment  was  so  influenced  by  these  articles  that  an 
application  for  a  charter  was  delayed.  But  Trinity  Church 
furnished  a  powerful  argument  in  favor  of  action  by  renewing, 
in  1754,  its  offer,  first  made  in  1752,  to  give  the  land  needed 
for  a  site  for  the  College.  The  first  offer  had  been  uncon- 
ditional ;  to  the  second  were  added  the  conditions  that  the 
President  should  always  be  an  Episcopalian,  and  that  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer  should  be  used  in  the  chapel  ser- 
vices. To  this  Mr.  Livingston  strongly  objected  in  a  protest 
read  to  the  trustees,  May  16,  1754,  containing  "twenty  unan- 
swerable reasons"  against  the  proposed  charter.  Why  the  two 
Dutch  trustees  did  not  unite  with  Mr.  Livingston  in  this  pro- 
test we  do  not  know.  They  may  have  thought  that  these  con- 
ditions might  well  be  submitted  to  for  the  sake  of  the  valuable 
property  that  was  offered  by  Trinity  Church,  Perhaps  they 
had  a  hope  that  these  conditions  would,  after  all,  not  be  in- 
sisted on,  and  perhaps  they  did  not  appear  as  objectionable  to 
them  as  they  did  to  Mr.  Livingston.  There  may  be  a  secret 
history  connected  with  this  matter,  of  which  we  are  ignorant. 

The  majority  of  the  trustees  refusing  to  be  convinced  by  the 
"twenty  unanswerable  reasons,"  immediately  presented  a 
petition  to  the  Hon.  James  De  Lancey,  Lieut.  Governor  of 
the  Province,  for  a  charter  for  a  College,  whichsh  ould  contain 
the  conditions  made  by  Trinity  Church,  and  this  was  laid  by 
him  before  the  Council,  May  28,  1754.  A  favorable  report 
was  adopted,  and  it  was  ordered  that  a  draft  of  a  charter  should 
be  made  in  accordance  with  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners.  Two 
members  of  the  council,  however,  protested  against  this,  and 
their  protest  and  reasons  were  placed  in  the  record.  Thus  the 
matter  rested  for  nearly  six  months.  The  reasons  for  this  de- 
lay may  be  easily  imagined.  There  was  a  strong  and  by  no 
means  decreasing  opposition  to  a  charter  with  the  conditions 
we  have  mentioned.  We  must  also  remember  that  while  the 
Lieut.  Governor  was  competent  to  grant  a  charter,  the  Legis- 
lative Assembly,  which  was  composed  of  delegates  of  the  people 
at  large,  had  control  of  the  funds  which  had  been  raised,  and 
which  were  in  the  hands  of  the  ten  trustees.  The  Assembly  had 
also  on  the  4th  of  July,  1753,  appropriated  ^^500  ($1,250)  per 
annum  for   seven  years,  to    be  used    for  the  payment  of  the 


64  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

salaries  of  instructors  in  the  College.  It  was  not  wise  to  press 
this  charter  until  the  temper  of  the  Assembly  and  its  view 
about  these  moneys  should  be  known. 

It  was  while  the  matter  was  in  this  state  that  the  withdrawal 
of  Rev.  Mr.  Ritzema  and  the  Church  of  New  York  from 
the  Coetus  took  place.  The  Consistory,  on  the  day  of  its  with- 
drawal from  the  Coetus,  resolved  to  apply  to  the  Assembly  for 
a  Professorship  of  Divinity  in  the  intended  College,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Dutch  churches  in  this  country. 

Their  petition  was  presented  to  the  Assembly  Oct.  25,  1754, 
and  in  it  they  stated  their  belief  that  a  College  for  the  instruc- 
tion of  youth  in  sound  literature  would  be  very  advantageous 
in  general,  but  that  the  Dutch  churches  would  lose  a  main  ad- 
vantage unless  provision  was  made  for  a  Professor  of  Divinity 
for  their  benefit,  "  which  they  prefer  to  every  other  benefit  ex- 
pected from  a  public  seminary  of  learning  "  ;  and  they  urged 
the  facts  that  otherwise,  students  for  the  ministry  would  be 
obliged  to  spend  years  in  foreign  countries  at  vast  expense  ; 
that  the  establishment  of  such  Professorship  would  make  the 
College  more  numerous  and  flourishing;  that  the  chief  support 
of  the  College  must  come  from  the  Dutch,  as  they  were  most 
numerous  in  the  province,  and  that  they  would  be  the  greatest 
benefactors  of  the  College  in  the  way  of  pecuniary  contribu- 
tions. They  therefore  prayed  for  the  establishment  of  such 
Professorship. 

The  Consistory  did  not  go  with  their  petition  for  a  Profes- 
sorship of  Divinity  to  the  Lieut.  Governor  and  ask  for  a 
modification  of  the  charter  that  was  in  his  hands,  but  they 
went  with  it  directly  to  the  Assembly,  and  asked  that  body  to 
consider  their  request  when  the  subject  of  the  establishment  of 
a  College  should  come  up.  Why  did  they  pursue  this  course? 
It  was  not  because  they  thought  that  their  chances  for  success 
were  more  favorable  with  the  Assembly  than  with  the  Gover- 
nor, nor  because  of  the  probability  that  the  royal  charter  would 
remain  unsealed  on  account  of  the  popular  opposition.  It  was 
because  they  were  dissatisfied  with  the  charter  itself,  about 
which  they  afterwards  expressed  themselves  very  clearly  and 
strongly, in  their  censure  of  Ritzema,  Aug.  11,  1755  :  "And  see- 
ing that  since  that  time  some  persons  have  obtained  a  charter 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  05 

for  a  College  for  the  English  Church,  whose  fundamental  articles 
are  opposed  to  the  object  of  the  Provincial  Academy,  and 
which  is  so  strictly  limited  that  almost  no  privileges  or  liber- 
ties are  left  to  induce  other  denominations  to  unite  with  them, 
but  only  a  small  number  of  trustees  or  governors  of  the  col- 
lege who  are  not  of  that  church  who  can  easily  be  overborne 
in  voting  by  those  of  the  English  Church,  which  has  given 
much  offence  and  dissatisfaction  here,  especially  to  those  who 
have  at  heart  their  rights  and  privileges": — therefore  the  Con- 
sistory agreed  with  Livingston  and  his  party,  in  looking  to  the 
Assembly  for  the  establishment  of  a  Provincial  College,  and  in 
regarding  the  royal  charter  with  disfavor.  They  by  this 
means  incurred  the  displeasure  of  the  Lieut.  Governor.  This 
petition  of  the  Consistory,  and  the  action  of  the  Assembly  a 
few  days  after  it  had  been  presented,  no  doubt  hastened  the 
signing  and  sealing  of  the  charter. 

The  ten  Trustees  having  been  required  by  the  Assembly 
to  make  a  report  on  the  state  of  the  funds,  did  make  such  re- 
port Nov.  I,  1754.  It  was  very  brief  and  meagre.  Mr.  Liv- 
ingston presented  a  minority  report  of  considerable  length,  in 
which  he  reviewed  the  whole  subject,  and  urged  his  "twenty- 
unanswerable  reasons  "  against  any  action  of  the  Assembly 
that  should  favor  the  charter,  which  had  been  placed  in  the 
hands  of  the  Lieut.  Governor,  and  was  awaiting  his  signature. 
His  report  produced  a  great  impression  on  the  Assembly^ 
which  allowed  him  to  bring  in  a  bill  for  the  establishment  of  a 
College  in  accordance  with  the  views  expressed  in  his  report. 
After  the  second  reading  of  his  bill  the  further  consideration 
of  it  was  postponed  on  account  of  its  great  importance,  and  of 
the  lack  of  time  to  give  it  due  consideration.  It  was  ordered 
to  be  printed,  so  that  the  sentiments  of  the  people  might  be 
ascertained. 

The  prompt  and  favorable  action  of  the  Assembly  on  Liv- 
ingston's report,  alarmed  the  friends  of  the  charter.  They 
feared  that  the  sealing  of  it  would  be  retarded,  and  some  would 
have  consented  to  this  as  expedient  under  the  circumstances. 
But  the  Lieut.  Governor  determined  to  settle  the  matter  at 
once,  and  on  the  day  after  Livingston's  report  had  been  pre- 
sented to  the  Assembly,  he  affixed  the  seal  to  the  charter.  It 
5 


66  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

appeared  for  a  time  as  if  there  would  be  two  Colleges.  But  it  is 
likely  that  when  the  Assembly  gave  leave  to  Livingston  to 
prepare  his  bill,  they  were  not  aware  that  the  charter  had  al- 
ready been  sealed. 

When  the  charter  appeared,  it  was,  of  course,  found  to  con- 
tain the  conditions  made  by  Trinity  Church  about  the  Presi 
dency  and  the  use  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer.  Of  the 
Governors  (Trustees)  named  in  the  charter  seventeen  were 
such,  ex-officio,  and  were  chiefly  Episcopalians,  and  of  the 
twenty  four  besides,  there  were  eight  from  the  Dutch  Church 
and  two  "  Dissenters."*  It  was  constituted  an  Episcopal  College, 
by  which  we  do  not  mean,  that  anyone  outside  of  the  Episco- 
pal Church  should  be  excluded  from  its  privileges,  but  that  it 
was  to  be  under  decidedly  Episcopal  influence.  The  opponents 
of  Livingston's  views  were  successful. 

Of  course  the  Dutch  people  were  greatly  disappointed,  not 
because  the  charter  failed  to  contain  provisions  for  a  Dutch 
professorship,  for  they  had  not  petitioned  the  Lieut.  Gov- 
ernor for  that,  but  had  passed  him  by,  and  gone  to  the  As- 
sembly with  their  petition,  and  he  was  certainly  not  in  a  mood 
to  show  them  any  favor.  They  were  disappointed,  for  their 
opportunity  seemed  to  be  lost.  The  Lieut.  Governor  had 
stolen  a  march  on  the  Assembly,  and  sealed  the  charter  before 
that  body  could  take  final  action  on  the  bill  of  Mr.  Livingston. 

The  friends  of  the  charter  rejoiced,  but  with  fear  and  trem- 
bling. In  view  of  the  great  favor  with  which  Livingston's  re- 
port had  been  received  by  the  Assembly,  of  the  readiness  with 
which  his  bill  had  been  passed  to  a  second  reading,  and  also 
of  the  popular  dissatisfaction  with  the  conditions  of  the  char- 
ter, they  became  alarmed,  fearing  that  a  successful  effort  might 
be  made  to  withold  from  them  the  money  that  had  been  raised 
by  the  lotteries,  and  also  to  withdraw  the  grant  of  ;^500  per 
year  for  the  payment  of  the  salaries  of  the  instructors.  They 
were  somewhat  relieved  by  a  suggestion  that  was  made  by  some 
Dutchmen  that  the  £s^o  might  be  furnished  by  the  Dutch 
people,  if  needed,  provided  that  the  Professorship  of  Divinity 

*The  Dutch  were  not  called  Dissenters  because  of  their  connection  with  the  State 
Church  of  the  Netherlands,  and  bec.use  their  ecclesiastical  rights  had  been  guaran- 
teed by  the  Articles  of  Surrender  in  1664. 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  67 

which  they  desired  were  secured  to  them  by  an  addition  to 
the  charter. 

Rev.  J.  Ritzema,  the  senior  minister  of  the  Dutch  Church 
in  New  York,  was  one  of  the  forty-one  Governors  of  the  Col- 
lege, and  he  was  determined  that  this  professorship  should  be 
obtained  if  possible.  It  was  suspected  that  he  was  not  un- 
willing to  be  the  incumbent  ;  his  friends  desired  to  have  him  in 
this  position,  to  which  indeed  he  was  likely  to  be  appointed  ; 
his  own  consistory  having  the  power,  and  he  moreover  being 
well  qualified  for  the  of^ce.  At  the  first  meeting  of  the  Gov- 
ernors held  on  the  7th  of  May,  1755  "after  the  acceptance  of 
the  Charter,  the  speech  of  the  Lieut.  Governor,  and  the 
reply  of  Mr.  Chambers,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ritzema,  senior  minister 
of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church,  among  other  things 
addressed  by  him  to  the  Lieut.  Governor  remarked,  that 
he  was  sorry  to  have  observed  the  differences  and  animosities 
in  the  Province  touching  several  restrictions  in  the  Charter. 
He  expressed  his  hope  that  some  means  might  be  fallen  upon 
to  heal  them  ;  and  his  belief  that  it  would  conduce  greatly  to 
that  end  if  his  Honor  would  be  pleased  to  grant,  either  by  ad- 
dition to  the  Charter,  or  in  such  other  manner  as  should  be 
thought  most  proper,  that  there  should  be  established  in  the 
College  a  Professor  of  Divinity  for  the  education  of  such  of  the 
youth  of  their  Church  as  might  be  intended  for  the  ministry, 
with  a  suitable  allowance  of  salary,  and  to  be  chosen  by  the 
consistory  of  that  Church  for  the  time  being.  Lieut. 
Governor  DeLancey  in  reply  expressed  his  approval  of  Mr. 
Ritzema's  suggestion,  and  his  willingness  to  grant  any  appli- 
cation in  accordance  with  it  that  the  Governors  might  address 
to  him.  The  Governors  at  once  unanimously  adopted  Mr. 
Ritzema's  proposal  and  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare 
their  petition  accordingly  ;  which  being  reported  at  their  next 
meeting  and  approved,  the  same  committee  was  directed  to 
present  it,  and  at  the  meeting  after,  on  the  3d  of  June,  Mr. 
Banyar,  Deputy  Secretary  of  the  Province,  delivered  to  the 
Governors  his  Majesty's  additional  Charter,  making  provision 
for  the  establishment  of  a  Professor  in  Divinity,  according  to 
the  doctrine,  discipline  and  worship  established  by  the  Na- 
tional Synod  of  Dort." 


68  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

This  account  of  the  proceedings  connected  with  the  grant 
of  the  supplementary  charter  is  no  doubt  correct,  and  yet 
somewhat  misleading,  if  we  do  not  read  it  by  the  light  of  the 
preceding  history.  It  is  claimed  that  this  transaction  shows 
"howlittle  the  conditions  which  exposed  the  College  to  so  much 
obloquy  were  considered  at  the  time  by  dispassionate  men 
as  stamping  the  Institution  with  any  bigoted  or  exclusive 
character."  While  we  are  far  from  intimating  that  there  was 
the  least  reason  for  this  obloquy,  we  yet  fail  to  see  how  this 
particular  transaction  can  under  the  circumstances  be  regarded 
as  a  proof  of  notable.  Christian  liberality. 

The  subject  of  this  Professorship  was  not  a  new  one,  as  the 
account  of  Mr.  Ritzema's  action  would  lead  one  to  suppose. 
The  application  for  it  to  the  Assembly  had  been  made  more 
than  six  months  previously,  and  the  Governor  had  been  in- 
censed thereby,  and  he  needed  to  be  pacified.  On  the  other 
hand  the  Governors  of  the  College  were  bound  to  regard  its  in- 
terests and  to  consider  that  these  would  be  seriously  affected, 
if  the  Dutch  should  continue  in  a  state  of  alienation  from  the 
college.  They  could  not  but  feel  the  force  of  the  arguments 
presented  in  the  petition  of  the  Consistory.  They  wanted  stu- 
dents and  moneys.  The  hint  about  the  ;^50oper  annum  which 
the  Dutch  might  give  for  payment  of  salaries,  did  not  probably 
drop  into  listless  ears.  The  ready  grant  of  this  additional  char- 
ter may  have  been  prompted  by  Christian  liberality,  but  that 
liberality  was  in  harmony  with  mercantile  sagacity. 

But  nothing  came  of  this  plan  of  Ritzema.  It  was  not  possi- 
ble for  it  to  succeed.  The  Dutch  people  who  engineered  the  last 
proceeding  had  a  very  small  following.  They  consisted  mainly 
of  Dom.  Ritzema  and  his  personal  friends.  The  Consistory  of 
the  Church  of  New  York,  which  had  in  the  first  place  peti- 
tioned the  Assembly  for  a  professorship,  refused  to  have  any- 
thing to  do  with  it  when  offered  in  connection  with  a  charter. 
They  were  dissatisfied  with  the  terms  of  the  charter  and  with 
the  constitution  of  the  Board  of  Governors,  and  they  were 
unwilling  to  think  of  placing  their  professor  in  subjection  to  it, 
constituted  as  it  was.     They  censured  Mr.  Ritzema  for  having, 


*  History  of  Columbia  College,  New  York,  1876. 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  69 

under  the  circumstances,  allowed  himself  to  be  qualified  as  one 
■of  the  Governors,  and  for  having  moved  for  this  supplementary 
charter  without  their  knowledge,  advice  or  counsel  ;  and  they 
■declared  concerning  this  charter  that  it  "  in  no  respect  an- 
swers to  our  conception  of  what  would  be  advantageous  for 
the  upbuilding  of  our  Church,  and  is  dearly  bought,  since  it  is 
so  fettered  by  the  jurisdiction  of  other  parties  that  the  liber- 
ties and  rights  therein  given  to  the  Low  Dutch  are  nothing 
but  a  fair  show." 

III.    frelinghuysen's  effort. 

It  was  not  to  be  expected  that  the  Dutch  Churches  in  the 
•other  parts  of  the  country  should  favor  a  professorship  which, 
though  intended  for  the  benefit  of  all,  was  yet  to  be  filled  by 
the  Consistory  of  one  congregation,  though  it  was  the  Metro- 
politan Church,  and  to  be  under  the  control  of  a  Board  ot 
Governors  which  was  not  in  sympathy  with  the  Dutch  Church. 
The  plan  was  also  entirely  contrary  to  the  project  which  had 
all  along  been  contemplated  by  the  members  of  the  Coetus, 
for  an  independent  College  to  be  entirely  under  the  control  of 
the  Dutch  people.  Opposition  was  aroused  at  once,  and 
measures  were  promptly  taken  to  carry  out  the  idea  of  the 
Coetus.  Rev.  Theodorus  Frelinghuysen,  of  Albany,  assumed 
the  leadership  in  the  matter.  He  started  from  his  home  in 
midwinter,  Jan.  i,  1755,  after  the  failure  of  the  first  efifort  for 
the  King's  College  Professorship,  before  the  additional  charter 
had  been  applied  for,  and  while  the  friends  of  the  measure 
were  probably  contemplating  a  new  effort.  Mr.  F.  visited  the 
churches  on  the  east  and  west  sides  of  the  Hudson,  and  also 
in  New  Jersey,  and  obtained  signatures  in  favor  of  a  college 
for  the  Dutch  alone,  his  plan  being  to  obtain  pecuniary  aid 
from  Holland.  He  assumed  the  responsibility  of  calling  an 
■extra  meeting  of  the  Coetus  for  the  30th  of  May,  1755.  The 
Coetus  at  this  meeting  claimed  to  be  an  independent  Classis, 
and  thenceforth  performed  the  acts  pertaining  to  a  Classis.  It 
also  commissioned  Mr.  Frelinghuysen  to  go  to  Holland  and 
solicit  funds  for  the  establishment  of  a  College.  Various  rea- 
sons hindered  him  from  starting  on  his  mission  until  the  latter 
part   of  1759.     The  divisions,  of   the  Church  were  of  such   a 


70  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

character  and  had  produced  sifch  a  sentiment  in  Holland  that 
little  or  no  help  could  be  obtained  there.  Mr.  F.  was  accident- 
ally drowned  on  the  return  voyage  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Sandy  Hook. 

IV.      THE  FIRST  CHARTER  OF   QUEEN'S   COLLEGE. 

The  next  effort  was  made  by  members  of  the  Coetus  party^ 
under  the  leadership  of  Rev.  Samuel  Verbryck,  of  Tappan. 
Application  was  made  by  them  to  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey 
for  a  charter,  as  early  as  1761,  which  was  refused.  Applica- 
tions were  made  to  subsequent  Governors,  and  finally  a  charter 
was  granted,  Nov,  18,  1766.  We  cannot  find  this  charter  on 
the  public  records  of  New  Jersey,  but  that  it  was  granted  is 
beyond  question,  as  a  call  for  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  is  found 
in  three  successive  issues  of  the  New  York  Mercury  of  April 
20th  and  27th  and  May  4th,  1767.  The  Conferentie  favoring 
the  King's  College  Professorship  were  considerably  exercised 
by  this  movement,  and  did  not  waste  good  words  on  Mr.  Ver- 
bryck and  his  associates.  In  their  letter  to  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  dated  Feb.  25th,  1762,  they  say: 

"  Since  our  meeting  a  notable  division  has  occurred  in  the 
village  of  Tappan,  which  we  briefly  mention  that  you  may  see 
what  a  turbulent  fellow  there  is  among  that  people.  The 
minister,  without  direction  from  the  Congregation  or  Consis- 
tory, had  engaged,  with  other  ministers  of  the  so-called  Coetus, 
to  obtain  from  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey  a  charter  for  the 
erection  of  an  Academy  in  the  Province.  Thirty-eight  families 
took  this  so  ill  that  they  refused  to  pay  the  Dominie's  salary, 
and  when  asked  the  reason  of  their  refusal,  assigned  this,  which, 
however,  was  not  admitted.  The  minister  still  adhering  ob- 
stinately to  his  purpose,  used  all  means  to  accomplish  it,  and 
when  refused  by  one  Governor  sought  it  from  his  successors." 
In  their  letter  of  Oct.  7,  1767,  they  say,  referring  to  the  same 
movement :  "  Satisfied  ourselves  with  the  plan  of  getting  a  Pro- 
fessor" [of  Theology]  "in  our  Academy"  {i.e.,  King's  College], 
"we  perceive,  nevertheless,  that  there  is  another  scheme  laid  in 
regard  to  a  new  Academy  to  be  erected  in  New  Jersey,  by 
which  a  student  is  to  be  sent  hence  to  the  University  of 
Utrecht,  where,  through   the,'  favor  of  a   certain    Professor  of 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  71 

Theology,  and  some  others,  he  is  to  be  received  and  study  four 
years,  and  then  come  back  as  a  Professor  of  Theology.  This 
is  a  matter  we  must  commit  to  the  Rev.  Classis,  to  see  that  no 
theological  Faculty,  or  any  Classis  undertakes  the  management 
of  the  New  Netherlands  Churches,  which  has  been  entrusted  by 
so  many  decrees  of  Synods,  and  still  is  intrusted  to  the  care  of 
the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam." 

Why  a  College  did  not  go  into  operation  under  this  charter 
we  cannot  say.  But  inasmuch  as  a  new  charter  was  obtained 
shortly  afterwards  by  the  same  persons,  in  which  it  was  ex- 
pressly stipulated  that  the  English  language  should  be  taught, 
and  that  the  minutes  of  trustees  and  all  accounts  be  kept  in  that 
tongue,  we  surmise  that  the  first  charter  did  not  contain  such 
requirement,  and  that  on  reflection  the  trustees  concluded  that 
this  was  a  serious  if  not  fatal  defect.  The  English  language 
was  making  such  rapid  inroads  on  the  Dutch  that  it  required 
little  sagacity  to  foresee  that  a  College  using  the  latter  ex- 
clusively, would  at  once  begin  to  die  a  lingering  death.  Those 
who  were  opposed  to  the  charter,  said  that  the  Governor  de- 
clared that  he  had  been  deceived,  thinking  that  he  was  grant- 
ing a  charter  to  people  who  had  continued  ecclesiastically  sub- 
ordinate to  the  Netherlands,  and  that  he  would  not  help  the 
matter  any  further.  They,  moreover,  said  that  the  Trustees 
were  divided  among  themselves  about  a  location,  Leydt  wish- 
ing to  have  the  College  on  the  Raritan,  Goetschius  at  Hacken- 
sack  and  Verbryck  at  Tappan;  and  besides  that,  they  had  no 
money  to  carry  it  forward.  Whatever  may  have  been  the 
reasons  for  it,  the  fact  is  clear  that  the  movement  came  to 
nothing. 

V.      PROPOSED    CONNECTION   WITH    PRINCETON   COLLEGE. 

The  College  of  New  Jersey  received  its  first  charter  in  1746, 
and  was  opened  for  students,  at  Elizabethtown,  in  May  1747, 
under  the  Presidency  of  Rev.  Jonathan  Dickinson.  The  first 
charter  was  superseded  by  a  second  one  granted  by  Governor 
Belcher  in  1748.  Under  the  next  President,  Rev.  Aaron  Burr, 
the  College  was  removed  to  Newark  where  Mr.  Burr  resided. 
In  1750,  the  Trustees  being  in  quest  of  a  permanent  site  for 
the  Institution,  proposed  to  the  two  "  towns  of  Brunswick  and 


72  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Princeton  "  that  they  should  compete  for  it.  By  making  offers 
of  money  and  lands,  Princeton  took  the  prize ;  the  Trustees 
fixed  the  permanent  location  of  the  College  there  in  1752, 
and  the  erection  of  Nassau  Hall,  so  named  in  honor  of  William 
III.,  was  immediately  begun. 

Amid  the  diversities  of  opinion,  and  the  distractions  that 
existed  in  the  Dutch  churches,  it  is  not  strange  that  the 
thought  should  have  occurred  to  many  that  some  sort  of  a 
union  with  the  College  at  Princeton  might  be  effected,  and  thus 
theological  instruction  be  secured.  The  Presbyterians,  who 
had  come  from  Scotland,  differed  little  in  doctrine  and  policy 
from  those  who  had  come  from  the  Netherlands.  Besides,  this 
College  was  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Dutch  people,  and  in 
the  midst  of  those  who  lived  at  the  southern  extreme  of  the 
Dutch  churches.  Several  young  men  from  Dutch  families 
studied  and  were  graduated  at  Princeton,  among  them  Jacobus 
Frelinghuysen,  Dirck  Romeyn,  and  Elias  Van  Bunschooten,  and 
at  different  times  Dutch  ministers,  as  John  Leydt,  John  Freling- 
huysen and  Lambertus  de  Ronde,  were  among  the  trustees. 

Rev.  Lambertus  de  Ronde  was  one  of  the  ministers  of  the 
Collegiate  Dutch  Church,  next  to  Ritzema  in  the  order  of 
seniority,  and  a  Trustee  of  Princeton  College  at  the  time  of 
which  we  are  writing.  On  the  minutes  of  the  Trustees,  of  the 
date  of  June  25th,  1766,  we  find  the  following  entry: 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  de  Ronde  having  laid  before  this  Board  a 
plan  for  the  introduction  of  a  Professor  of  Divinity,  to  be  ob- 
tained from  Holland  for  the  service  of  the  Dutch  as  well  as  the 
English  Presbyterian  churches  in  these  parts,  the  Trustees  hav- 
ing maturely  considered  the  same,  are  of  opinion  that  the 
proposal  is  not  yet  ripe  for  prosecution,  and  therefore  defer  the 
further  consideration  of  it  to  the  next  meeting."  At  the  next 
meeting  held  Sept.  24,  1766,  it  was  again  deferred  for  further 
•consideration,  and  this  was  the  end  of  the  matter.* 

We  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  what  was  the  precise 
nature  of  this  proposition  of  de  Ronde,  nor  whether  there  was  a 
party  supporting  him.  He  certainly  did  not  voice  the  general 
sentiment  of  the  Dutch  people.    His  senior  colleague,  Ritzema, 


*  McLean's  Historj'  of  Princeton  College,  vol.  i,  p.  265. 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  78 

and  other  Confcrentie  leaders,  could  not  have  favored  it.  Some 
of  the  members  of  the  Church  of  New  York  may  have  been  in 
sympathy  with  de  Rondc,  but  the  members  of  the  Coetus,  re- 
presenting the  large  majority  of  the  churches  could  not  have 
favored  the  project,  for  they  were  at  this  very  time  pressing 
their  petition  for  a  charter  for  Queen's  College,  which  they 
actually  obtained  in  November  of  the  same  year.  These  rea- 
sons were  certainly  sufficient  to  justify  the  Trustees  in  saving 
that  "the  proposal  was  not  yet  ripe  for  prosecution,"  and  in 
■deferring  action  on  it.  The  case  would  have  been  very  differ- 
ent if  the  Dutch  churches,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  had 
authorized  the  proposal.  Besides,  this  \vas  an  English  College, 
the  English  was  the  language  of  the  schools,  courts,  legislation, 
and  of  business  generally,  and  it  would  not  have  been  wise  for 
the  Trustees  to  establish  a  Professorship  to  be  filled  by  a  man 
from  Holland,  and  who  was  not  likely  to  meet  the  wants  of 
English  Presbyterian  students.  This  view  is  supported  by  the 
fact  that  they  did  immediately  afterward  elect  the  Rev.  John 
Blair  to  be  Professor  of  Divinity  in  the  College. 

Shortly  after  this  abortive  effort  of  De  Ronde,  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  distressed  by  the  condition  of  the  Church  in 
America,  and  earnestly  desirious  of  bringing  the  parties  into  a 
state  of  harmony,  and  removing  all  tlie  difficulties  of  the  situ- 
ation, wrote  to  both  the  Conferentie  and  Coetus,  informing 
them  that  they  were  preparing  a  Plan  of  Union,  which  they 
hoped  would  be  acceptable  to  both  parties,  and  would  also  be 
approved  by  the  Synod  of  North  Holland.  They  said  that 
they  disapproved  entirely  of  the  Professorship  in  King's  Col- 
lege, and  of  Ritzema's  course,  and  expressed  their  opinion  that 
he  had  damaged  the  Church  of  which  he  was  a  minister,  by 
taking  the  oath  of  a  Governor  in  an  Episcopal  College.  They 
advised  the  Coetus,  on  the  other  hand,  to  abandon  for  the  pre- 
sent the  project  of  an  independent  College.  They  had  no 
objection,  they  said,  to  such  an  Institution,  but  it  was  to  be 
considered  that  it  could  not  be  a  success,  unless  it  had  the 
sympathy  and  favor  of  the  undivided  American  Church,  and 
also  that  a  great  deal  of  money  would  be  needed  both  for  its 
establishment  and  its  maintenance. 

They  therefore  recommended  and  strongly  urged  that  the 


74  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

parties  should  forgive  and  forget  the  past,  bury  their  animosi- 
ties, and  unite  in  procuring  a  Professor  or  Professors  of 
Divinity  from  the  Netherlands,  to  be  located  at  Princeton,  and 
there  prepare  the  Dutch  theological  students  for  the  ministry. 
They  also  suggested  that  an  arrangement  be  made  with  the 
Trustees  so  that  these  students  might  enjoy  the  instructions 
of  the  Professors  of  the  College,  and  the  Dutch  Professors  of 
Divinity  might  render  some  service  to  the  College  in  return.  It 
was  also  suggested  that  a  Lector  might  be  appointed  to  teach 
the  Dutch  language,  so  that  it  might  be  kept  alive  as  long  as 
possible.  This  Plan  was  urged  as  the  most  economical,  and 
under  the  circumstances  the  most,  if  not  the  only,  practicable 
one.  It  differed  from  that  of  De  Ronde,  in  that  the  Professors 
of  Divinity  were  to  be  called  from  the  Netherlands  by  the 
Dutch  churches,  and  not  by  the  College  authorities,  and  were 
to  remain  in  close  connection,  as  were  all  the  American 
churches,  with  the  Mother  Church.  The  College  and  the 
Dutch  Professorate  were  to  be  independent  of  each  other,  yet 
working  together  according  to  terms  of  agreement. 

It  is  interesting  to  know  that  the  Rev.  John  Witherspoon, 
D.D.,  was  visiting  Holland  about  the  time  that  this  corres- 
pondence was  carried  on.  He  had  recently  been  elected  Presi- 
dent of  Princeton  College,  and  he  was  inaugurated  Aug.  17^ 
1768.  "At  the  request  of  several  friends  of  that  College,"  he 
made  this  visit  before  coming  to  this  country,  and  the  Trus- 
tees acknowledged  that  he  had  there  done  "  eminent  service  " 
for  the  College,  and  they  directed  that  the  expenses  of  his  visit 
should  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer.  What  that  "  eminent  ser- 
vice "  was,  we  are  not  informed.  Dr.  McLean  says:  "  It  no 
doubt  consisted  in  part  in  a  successful  effort  to  enlist  the  kind 
feelings  of  sundry  friends  of  religion  and  learning  in  behalf  of 
the  College,  and  to  prepare  the  way  for  benefactions  in  books,, 
apparatus,  and  gifts  to  the  College  treasury."* 

We  have  no  reason  to  think  that  Dr.  W.  went  to  Holland 
with  the  express  purpose  of  preparing  the  way  for  a  closer 
alliance  of  the  American  Dutch  Church  with  Princeton,  nor 
does  it  appear  that  the  friends  of  the  Institution  had  this  in 
their  minds  when  they  proposed  this  visit.     But  it  is  certain 

*  McLean's  History  of  Princeton  College,  Vol.  I.,  p.  301. 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  75 

that  Dr.  W.  had  much  intercourse  with  the  Professors  and 
Divines  in  that  country,  and  that  he  made  a  very  favorable 
impression  on  them  ;  and  we  may  believe  that  their  zeal  for 
the  alliance  with  Princeton  was  not  diminished  by  their  per- 
sonal acquaintance  with  the  President-elect.  Mr.  Livingston, 
then  a  student  at  Utrecht,  was  intimate  with  him,  and  they 
conferred  together  about  the  distressed  state  and  pressing 
want  of  the  Dutch  Churches  in  America,  and  of  course  they 
must  have  talked  about  the  need  of  provision  for  theological 
education.  Mr.  L.  was  so  sanguine  that  the  proposed  Plan 
would  be  approved  that  he  wrote  to  some  friends  in  America, 
revoking  a  request  he  had  made,  that  they  should  bear  the 
expense  of  educating  some  "  poor  youth  of  piety  and  talents  " 
in  Holland,  so  that  he  might  come  back  and  be  Professor  of 
Divinity  in  the  College  (Queen's),  for  which  a  charter  had  been 
obtained  in  1766. 

"Acquainted,"  says  Dr.  Gunn,  "with  the  high  character  of 
Dr.  W.  as  a  scholar  and  divine,  it  is  not  surprising  that  Mr.  L. 
in  his  zeal  should  either  have  proposed  or  acceded  to  an 
arrangement,  intended  perhaps  at  the  time  to  be  merely  a  pro- 
visional one,  and  promising  such  immediate  and  incalculable 
benefits.  It  does  not  appear  that  a  union  of  the  Dutch  and  Pres- 
byterian Churches  was  now  even  thought  of,  much  less  designed  ; 
but  that  a  certain  connection  was  to  be  formed  with  Princeton 
College  simply  with  a  view  to  the  preparation  of  pious  youth 
of  the  Dutch  Church  for  the  ministry,  under  the  superintend- 
ence of  a  man  in  whose  talents,  piety  and  orthodoxy  the 
Church  at  home  and  the  Church  abroad  would  have  the  most 
entire  confidence."*  But  the  state  of  things  here  was  unfavor- 
able to  this  proposition.  Mr.  Abram  Lott,  the  friend  and 
correspondent  of  Mr.  Livingston,  wrote  to  him  :  "  As  far  as  I 
can  find,  the  whole  Coetus  with  all  their  heart,  (as  I  imagine 
they  will  write  to  the  Classis,)  as  well  as  all  the  leading  mem- 
bers of  our  Church  will  cheerfully  agree  to  the  plan  [i.e.,  of 
union],  except  to  that  part  which  relates  to  a  local  union  with 
Princeton  College,  as  it  is  apprehended  much  mischief  would 
arise  to  our  cause  from  a  union  with  that  or  any  other  College 
at  this  present  time."f 

*  Gunn's  Life  of  Livingston.     EH.  1S29,  p.  192. 
f  Gunn's  Life  of  Livingston.     Ed.  1829,  p.  195. 


76  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

The  Coetus,  about  the  same  time  wrote  to  the  Classis  that 
the  union  proposed  "  was  pregnant  with  difficulties,"  and  that 
it  was  the  "  unanimous  opinion  "  of  the  Trustees  named  in  their 
charter  that  a  Professor  should  be  obtained  from  the  Nether- 
lands, and  that,  if  favored  by  the  Church  there,  they  would  be 
better  able  to  maintain  a  College  than  any  other  Church  in 
the  Province. 

Ritzema  and  his  associates  also  wrote  deprecating  a  union 
with  the  "  Scotch  Presbyterian  Academy  at  Princeton  "  quite 
as  strongly  as  the  establishment  of  an  independent  College, 
and  arguing  in  favor  of  that  union  with  King's  College  which 
had  been  years  before  repudiated.  And  so  the  matter  was 
dropped  as  impracticable. 

VI.   queen's   COLLEGE   SECOND   CHARTER. 

While  the  friends  of  the  Church  in  Holland  were  urging  an 
alliance  with  Princeton,  and  while  the  Conferentie  ministers 
still  greatly  preferred  the  union  with  King's  College,  the 
members  of  the  Coetus  were  pressing  their  application  to 
the  Governor  of  New  Jersey  for  a  new  charter  for  Queen's 
College,  so  that  the  Professorship  of  Divinity  might  be  con- 
nected with  a  literary  institution  of  their  own,  and  no  alliance 
be  risked  with  either  King's  or  Princeton.  On  the  20th  of 
March,  1770,  they  obtained  from  Governor  William  Franklin 
a  new  charter.  The  chief  object  of  the  petitioners  was  stated 
in  the  charter  itself  as  follows  : 

"  George  the  Third,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain, 
France  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  etc.  To 
all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  greeting :  Whereas 
our  loving  subjects  of  the  Protestant  Reformed  Religion  accord- 
ing to  the  Constitution  of  the  Reformed  Churches  in  the 
United  Provinces,  and  using  the  discipline  of  the  said  churches 
as  approved  and  instituted  by  the  National  Synod  of  Dort  in 
the  years  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  eighteen  and  one  thou- 
sand six  hundred  and  nineteen,  are  in  this  and  the  neighbor- 
ing Provinces  very  numerous,  consisting  of  many  churches  and 
religious  assemblies,  the  ministers  and  elders  of  which  having 
taken  into  .serious  consideration  the  manner  in  which  the  said 
churches  might  be  properly  supplied  with  an  able,  learned  and 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  77 

well-qualified  ministry  ;  and  thinking  it  ncccessary,  and  being 
very  desirous  that  a  College  might  be  erected  for  that  purpose 
within  this  our  Province  of  New  Jersey,  in  which  the  learned 
languages  and  other  branches  of  useful  knowledge  may  be 
taught  and  degrees  conferred;  and  especially  that  young  men 
of  suitable  abilities  may  be  instructed  in  Divinity,  preparing 
them  for  the  ministry,  and  supplying  the  necessity  of  the 
churches ;  for  themselves  and  in  behalf  of  their  churches  pres- 
ented a  petition  to  our  trusty  and  well-beloved  William  Frank- 
lin, Esq.,  Governor  and  Commander-in-Chief  in  and  over  our 
Province  of  New  Jersey  in  America;  setting  forth  that  incon- 
veniences are  manifold  and  the  expenses  heavy,  in  either  be- 
ing supplied  with  ministers  of  the  gospel  from  foreign  parts,  or 
sending  young  men  abroad  for  education  ;  that  the  present 
and  increasing  necessity  for  a  considerable  number  to  be  em- 
ployed in  the  ministry  is  great ;  that  a  preservation  of  a  fund 
for  the  necessary  uses  of  instruction  very  much  depends  upon 
a  charter,  etc." 

The  charter  was  granted  accordingly,  and  Trustees  having 
been  named  in  it,  it  was  provided  "  that  the  said  Trustees,  from 
time  to  time  and  forever,  hereafter,  do  elect,  nominate,  and  ap- 
point such  a  qualified  person,  being  a  member  of  the  Dutch 
Reformed  Church,  aforesaid,  as  they  or  the  major  part  of  any 
twelve  of  them  convened  for  that  purpose,  as  above  directed, 
shall  think  fit  to  be  the  President  of  the  said  College." 

Also,  "  that  the  said  Trustees  do  elect,  nominate,  and  ap- 
point a  Professor  in  Divinity,  who  shall  and  may  read  lectures 
in  Theology,  instruct  the  students  in  the  science  of  Divine 
truths  and  knowledge  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  who  also  may  be 
President  of  the  College  or  not  as  the  trustees  should  see  meet 
and  convenient."  It  was  also  required  that  there  should  be 
one  in  connection  with  the  Colleges  who  could  instruct  in  the 
English  language,  and  that  the  records  and  accounts  should  be 
kept  in  that  tongue. 

But  the  obtaining  of  this  charter  was  not  to  be  the  final 
step,  nor  was  the  theological  department  provided  for  by  it, 
to  become  the  Theological  School  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church.  In  less  than  six  months  after  this  charter  had  been 
obtained  another  plan    was  presented  to  the  churches,  which 


78  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

brought   all  parties   into   harmony   and    co-operation.      This 
was 

VII.      THE   PROFESSORATE   OF   THE   PLAN  OF   UNION. 

The  Plan  of  Union  proposed  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  in 
1768  had,  as  we  have  seen,  failed  on  account  of  the  proposed 
alliance  with  Princet<jn  College.  But  the  members  of  the 
Classis  and  others  did  not  cease  to  consider  the  state  of  the' 
churches  in  America.  Mr.  Livingston  was  just  completing  his 
studies,  and  he  was  about  to  come  to  New  York  to  be  a  pastor 
of  the  Collegiate  Church,  to  which  he  had  been  called,  and  he 
was  earnestly  desirous  of  beginning  his  ministry  here  with  a 
united  denomination,  if  possible.  He  and  others  saw  that  a 
union  could  not  be  effected  if  the  Professorate  were  estab- 
lished in  connection  with  any  College.  The  plan  was  there- 
fore modified  accordingly.  He  acted  very  cautiously  in 
the  matter,  quietly  endeavoring  to  create  a  general  and  de- 
cided sentiment  in  favor  of  union,  until  the  time  should  come 
for  making  an  open  and  formal  movement.  After  a  year,  hav- 
ing secured  the  approval  and  deep  interest  of  the  Church  of 
New  York,  he  induced  their  Consistory  to  invite  all  the  minis- 
ters with  delegated  elders  to  meet  in  Convention  to  consider 
the  Plan.  This  Convention  was  held  Oct.  15th,  1771,  in  the 
city  of  New  York.  Dr.  Livingston  was  made  President,  and 
the  Plan  was  unanimously  and  heartily  adopted.  It  was  then 
sent  to  the  Classis  and  received  its  approval. 

By  her  earnest  and  successful  endeavors  for  the  union  of  the 
Coetus  and  Conferentie  parties,  the  Church  of  New  York  did 
a  splendid  service  to  the  denomination.  That  Church  was  in 
a  most  favorable  position  to  be  an  efficient  mediator  and  peace- 
maker. She  had,  it  is  true,  withdrawn  from  the  Coetus  at  the 
first,  but  had  never  taken  part  in  the  controversies  which  had 
rent  many  of  the  churches  asunder.  In  fact,  she  had  rebuked 
her  own  pastor  for  his  course,  and  had  refused  to  allow  her  eld- 
ers to  meet  with  the  Conferentie.  Her  correspondence  with 
the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  showed  a  disposition  and  desire  to 
do  everything  in  her  power  to  promote  the  union.  Her  ser- 
vices were  appreciated  and  acknowledged  by  the  Classis. 

It  was  provided  by  the  Plan  that  preparatory  and  final  exam- 
inations should  be  conducted  by  what  was  called  the  General 


\ 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  79 

Body  or  Assembly,  and  that  one  or  two  Professors  should  be 
chosen  to  teach  Didactic,  Polemic,  Exegetical  Theology,  etc., 
from  among  "  such  divines  of  the  Netherlands  as  are  of  ap- 
proved learning,  piety,  and  orthodoxy,  and  firmly  attached  to 
the  Netherlands  Standards,  and  who  should  be  recommended 
by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  ;  said  Professor  or  Professors  to 
have  no  connection  with  any  English  Academy,  but  to  deliver 
lectures  on  Theology  in  their  own  houses,  to  such  students 
only,  as  could  by  suitable  testimonials  make  it  appear  that  they 
had  carefull}'  exercised  themselves  in  the  preparatory  branches 
for  two  or  three  )'ears  at  a  College  or  Academy,  High  School  or 
Gymnasium,  under  the  supervision  of  competent  teachers  in  the 
Languages,  Philosophy,  etc. 

Thus  after  years  of  debate  about  various  proposed  schemes, 
the  Church  found  herself  in  possession,  not  of  one,  but  of  three 
methods  of  theological  instruction  and  training  ;  one  by  means 
of  a  Professorship  in  King's  College,  another  by  means  of  a 
Professorship  in  Queen's  College,  and  still  another  by  a  Pro- 
fessorship having  no  connection  with  any  academy  or  college, 
but  under  the  exclusive  control  of  the  ecclesiastical  authorities. 
A  preparatory  collegiate  education  was  required,  but  the  Pro- 
fessorate was  to  be  independent   of  all  English  colleges. 

This  action  of  the  Convention  can  be  rightly  understood, 
only  by  the  light  of  the  situation  at  the  time.  Harmonious 
action  could  be  secured  only  by  mutual  concessions.  The 
plans  hitherto  proposed  for  alliance  with  this  or  that  college, 
existing  or  to  be  established,  were  not  endorsed;  it  was  even 
agreed  that  no  alliance  should  be  formed  with  any  academy  or 
college  whatsoever,  but  that  the  Theological  Professorate  should 
be  independent  of  all.  The  King's  College  project  was  not 
adopted,  for  it  was  the  favorite  of  the  few  though  influential 
ministers  and  churches  of  the  Conferentie  ;  the  Queen's  college 
project  was  rejected,  as  that  of  those  w^io  had  been  leaders  in  the 
Coetus  party  ;  and  the  alliance  with  Princeton  was  not  approved, 
though  recommended  by  the  friends  in  Holland,  as  it  found  no 
favor  with  any  party  here. 

But  it  was  one  thing  to  have  a  Professorship  on  paper, 
whether  authorized  by  a  College  charter  or  provided  by  Articles 
of  Union,  and  another  to  have  it  actually  instituted,  filled  and 


80  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

doing  its  work.  Years  had  to  pass  before  this  provision  could 
be  carried  into  practical  effect.  Time  was  needed  to  obtain  a 
formal  ratification  of  the  Articles  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  ; 
funds  were  required  ;  some  churches  continued  to  stand  aloof; 
the  country  was  disturbed,  and  events  were  fast  tending  to  the 
crisis  in  the  affairs  of  the  colonies  that  resulted  in  the  War  of 
the  Revolution.  It  was  impossible  to  do  much  in  this  matter 
until  the  return  of  peace.  The  General  Meeting  of  1772  held 
at  New  York,  decided  to  "  postpone  action  on  this  subject^ 
with  earnest  recommendations,  however,  to  the  respective 
brethren,  not  only  to  keep  the  matter  alive  and  most  ear- 
nestly to  lay  it  to  heart,  but  at  all  convenient  opportunities 
to  represent  it  to  their  congregations,  as  one  of  the  chief 
requisites  to  the  well  being  of  our  Church ;  and  at  the  same 
time  to  seek  to  ascertain  how  it  might  be  possible  for  each  one 
to  establish  in  his  congregation  a  fund  for  the  afore-mentioned 
purpose,  and  to  report  the  same  to  the  next  General  Meeting." 

Some  incipient  measures  had  been  taken  before  the  war  by 
the  General  Body,  and  also  by  the  Trustees  of  the  College 
looking  to  some  form  of  co-operation.  The  latter  had  before 
this  raised  ;^4,ooo  ($10,000)  for  an  endowment,  and  had  gone 
so  far  as  to  invite  Rev.  John  Brown,  of  Haddington,  to  be  the 
Professor,  but  he  declined.*  It  appeared  that  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  was  not  disposed  to  make  any  trouble  about  such 
co-operation,  but  seemed  ready  to  consent  to  whatever  was 
agreed  upon  here. 

In  October,  1773,  the  Trustees,  "  in  a  respectful  address," 
informed  the  General  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  held  at 
Kingston,  N.  Y.,  that  "  they  had  written  to  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam  and  the  Rev.  Theological  Faculty  of 
Utrecht,  requesting  these  Rev.  Bodies  to  recommend  a 
person  whom  they  judged  qualified  to  be    called  as  President 


*  Unfortunately,  the  minutes  of  the  Trustees  of  Queen's  College  for  the  years  1771- 
82  are  missing,  and  so  we  cannot  verify  this  statement  by  the  official  record.  In  the 
Life  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Biown,  prefixed  to  his  Dictionary  of  the  Bible,  is  found  the 
following  sentence,  "  He  received  a  kind  and  earnest  invitation  from  the  Dutch 
Church  in  the  province  of  New  York  to  be  their  tutor  in  divinity.  This  invitation, 
as  well  as  his  correspondence  with  the  excellent  personage  last  mentioned  [Countess 
of  Huntingdon]  he  modestly  studied  to  conceal  from  the  knowledge  of  all."  It  is 
said  elsewhere  that  the  fact  was  learned  from  his  papers  after  his  decease. 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  81 

in  the  fore-mentioned  College,  who  should  at  the  same  time 
instruct  those  youth  who  chose  to  place  themselves  un- 
der his  oversight  in  Sacred  Theology,  and  who  would  con- 
sequently, agreeably  to  the  received  Articles  of  Union,  be  a 
member  of  the  Particular  and  General  Ecclesiastical  Bodies, 
and  commending  the  fore-mentioned  College  to  the  kind  regard 
of  this  Rev.  Body." 

This  plan  struck  the  members  of  the  Body  so  favorably 
that  they  endorsed  the  action  of  the  Trustees,  promised  to  co- 
operate with  them  by  making  the  President  their  Professor, 
and  helping  to  raise  funds  for  his  support.  This  was  hardly  in 
accordance  with  the  Articles  of  Union,  but  it  showed  that  an 
era  of  good  feeling  had  been  reached,  that  there  was  a  dispo- 
sition for  harmony,  and  a  readiness  to  further  the  common 
object,  in  which  all  parties  were  interested  by  joining  their 
resources  and  uniting  their  efforts. 

They  also  wrote  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  a  letter,  in 
which,  after  observing  that  "  students  could  be  educated  at 
New  Brunswick  with  little  expense  ;  that  there  were  churches 
in  the  province  of  New  York  unwilling  to  make  any  contribu- 
tions to  the  support  of  the  Professorate  ;  that  ;^4,ooo  had  been 
subscribed  for  it ;  that  a  majority  of  its  friends  wished  to  have 
it  connected  with  Queen's  College  ;  and  that  that  Institution 
was  provided  with  an  ample  charter,  they  request  that  the 
Classis  would  select,  and  endeavor  to  obtain  for  them,  a  per- 
son well  qualified  to  discharge  the  duties  of  a  Professor  of 
Theology." 

The  Classis,  so  far  from  interposing  obstacles,  was  ready  to 
let  the  parties  in  America  work  together  in  the  way  proposed, 
even  if  it  was  not  strict])^  according  to  the  Articles  of  Union. 
However,  they  moved  cautiously,  asking  for  further  informa- 
tion ;  and  the  Synod  also  at  its  next  session  did  nothing  fur- 
ther than  make  arrangements  for  a  special  meeting,  if  the  ques- 
tion of  the  Professorate  should  require  it.  They  evidently  felt 
that  they  might  be  considered  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  as 
having  acted  without  due  care,  or  as  having  gone  too  far  in 
the  matter.  The  situation  still  was  a  very  delicate  one,  and 
demanding  the  utmost  prudence,  especially  as  some  congrega- 
tions were  still  holding  themselves  aloof  from  the  Union.  But 
6 


83  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

in  the  meeting  of  April,  1775,  it  was  reported  that  a  letter  had 
been  received  from  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  accompanied  by 
one  from  the  Faculty  of  Theology  at  Utrecht,  in  regard  to  the 
Professorate.  These  two  Bodies  had  concurred  in  recommend- 
ing, not  a  theologian  from  the  Netherlands,  as  requested,  but 
Rev.  Dr.  John  H.  Livingston,  their  last  student  from  America, 
to  be  President  of  the  College  and  Professor  of  Theology. 
The  letter  written  by  Prof.  Bonnet  in  the  name  of  the  Faculty, 
and  also  that  of  the  Classis,  "  extolled  him  as  ,a  person  well  qual- 
ified for  the  office,  and  to  be  preferred  to  any  one  that  could 
be  sent  from  Holland." 

Nine  years  were  to  pass  before  anything  further  was  done 
in  the  matter.  The  war  was  at  hand,  and  the  Meeting  of 
October,  1775,  adopted  the  following  brief  and  suggestive  min- 
ute on  the  subject  of  the  Professorate  :  "  By  reason  of  the  piti- 
ful condition  of  our  land,  the  consideration  of  the  subject  of 
the  Professorate  is  deferred." 

It  was  not  until  the  Meeting  of  May,  1784,  that  the  subject 
was  resumed.  "  The  Rev.  Body,  heartily  lamenting  that  by 
reason  of  the  war  attention  to  it  had  been  necessarily  so  long 
deferred,  were  unanimously  of  opinion  that  since  it  had  now 
pleased  the  Lord  to  grant  the  land  a  blessed  and  honorable 
peace,  together  with  a  confirmation  of  our  freedom  and  indepen- 
dence, this  matter  should  with  all  earnestness  and  speed,  as 
well  as  suitable  care,  be  promoted  and  brought  to  a  consum- 
mation." At  this  session  a  letter  was  received  from  the  Trus- 
tees of  Queen's  College,  commending  that  Institution  to  the 
patronage  of  the  Church.  At  the  same  time  there  was  pre- 
sented a  copy  of  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New 
York  in  relation  to  the  establishment  of  a  University  in  that 
State.  The  Synod,  feeling  that  more  light  was  needed  in  order 
to  secure  intelligent  action,  and  that  it  was  important  to  have 
the  whole  Church  to  unite  in  this  business,  resolved  to  meet  in 
the  following  October,  and  it  took  measures  to  secure  as  large 
an  attendance  as  possible  at  said  meeting.  At  this  Synod  in 
October  there  were  in  attendance,  besides  the  delegates,  a 
number  of  ministers  and  elders  who  had  been  invited  to  be 
present,  so  that  the  Rev.  Body  might  have  the  benefit  of  their 
counsel  and  presence  in   relation  to    the   Professorate.     Very 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  83 

important  business  was  transacted  by  this  Synod.  Having 
declared  that  studies  preparatory  to  Theology  are  "  absolutely 
necessary,"  it  resolved  to  do  all  in  its  power  to  help  the  Trus- 
tees in  building  up  Queen's  College  ;  and  it  also  appointed  a 
committee  to  aid  the  Consistory  of  Schenectady  in  founding  a 
College  there.  It  resolved  to  appoint  a  Professor  of  Theology 
in  the  city  of  New  York,  (the  Consistory  there  to  make  some 
arrangement  for  his  support,)  and  also  to  appoint  an  Instructor 
in  the  Sacred  Languages.  The  Synod  unanimously  elected 
Rev.  Dr.  Joannes  H.  Livingston,  of  New  York,  to  be  Profes- 
sor of  Sacred  Theology,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Hermanus  Meyer,  min- 
ister at  Pompton  and  Totowa,  to  be  Instructor  in  the  Inspired 
Lancfuacres. 


CHAPTER     III. 

THE     SCHOOL     PREVIOUS     TO     ITS      REMOVAL    TO 
NEW    BRUNSWICK.    1784-1810. 

Dr.    Livingston  begins    his    Work — Dr.    Meyer    made    Lector — 
Trustees  of  Queen's  College  propose  Co-operation — Froeligh 

AND  RO.MEYN  APPOINTED    LECTORS  — LIVINGSTON  REMOVES  TO  FLAT- 

BUSH — Discouragements— Froeligh  and  Romevn  made  Profes- 
sors—Livingston  RETURNS  to  NeW  YORK— FORMER  POLICY  RE- 
AFFIRMED— Collegiate  Consistory  elects  Dr.  Livingston  Pro- 
fessor IN  King's  College — Synod  makes  Dr.  L.  Permanent  pro- 
fessor— Professors  of  Hebrew  elected — Plan  for  revival  of 
Queen's  College  and  of  Connecting  the  Professorate  with  it. 

Thus  did  the  Church,  after  her  long,  and  perilous,  and  weari- 
some journey,  reach  the  decisive  act  of  one  hundred  years  ago. 
She  now  had  her  long-desired  Professor,  who  was  ready  at  once 
to  enter  on  his  office  of  teaching  and  training  her  candidates  for 
the  sacred  ministry.  He  immediately  began  the  work  which 
he  carried  on  for  forty  years,  and  which  he  laid  down  only  with 
his  life.  On  the  19th  day  of  May,  1785,  he  delivered,  in  Latin, 
his  "  Or  alio  Inaugnralis  De  Veritate  Rcligionis  Christiana;,"  in 
the  Old  Dutch  Churcli,  in  Garden  street.  New  York  City.  The 
Synod,  in  its  Minutes,  called  it  a  "learned  and  elegant  disserta- 
tion." *     The  Trustees  of  Queen's  College  a  few  days  before 

*  This  was  printed  at  the  time  in  small  duodecimo.  It  may  be  found  in  the  Ap- 
pendix to  "  Centennial  Discourses,"  1876.     ist  Edition. 


84  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

had  conditionally  nominated  him  to  be  the  Professor  of  Divin- 
ity in,  and  President  of,  the  College. 

He  immediately  began  the  delivery  of  his  lectures  at  his  own 
house,  continuing  at  the  same  time  to  do  full  duty  as  one  of 
the  pastors  of  the  Collegiate  Church ;  and  this  course  was  pur- 
sued eleven  years.  For  his  work  as  Professor  he  expected  as 
pecuniary  compensation  only  the  fees  which  the  students  were 
to  give  him  on  receiving  their  professorial  certificates.  These 
were  £^  ($12.50)  from  each  one. 

It  was  soon  discovered  that  the  expense  ot  a  residence  in 
New  York  was  preventing  some  students  from  attending  the 
lectures  of  the  Professor,  and  that  they  were  pursuing  theo- 
logical studies  with  various  ministers  in  different  parts  of  the 
Church.  The  Synod,  in  order  to  meet  this  difficulty  and  to 
give  the  students  greater  advantages  than  they  could  have 
in  being  scattered  among  many  ministers,  who  were  engrossed 
with  parochial  cares,  appointed,  in  1786,  Dr.  Meyer  to  be  Lec- 
tor in  Theology  as  well  as  Teacher  of  Sacred  Languages,  and 
required  students  to  put  themselves  under  the  care  of  either 
the  Professor  or  Lector  in  order  to  be  admitted  to  examination 
on  their  testimony  and  recommendation. 

With  the  death  of  Dr.  Meyer  in  1791,  the  difificulty  again  be- 
came pressing,  but  a  new  Lector  was  not  at  once  appointed. 
The  Synod  proposed  that  a  fund  should  be  raised  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  Professor  by  circulating  a  subscription  paper 
through  the  churches,  and  that  the  Consistory  of  the  Church 
of  New  York  should  be  the  Trustee  to  take  charge  of  the 
moneys  collected. 

The  Trustees  of  Queen's  College,  calling'to  mind  the  action 
of  ^773^  whereby  they  had  been  encouraged  to  expect  that  an 
arrangement  would  be  made  by  which  the  Professor  of  Theo- 
logy would  be  connected  with  the  College,  and  be  President 
of  the  same,  sent  a  communication,  October,  1791,  to  the 
Synod,  asking  that  Body  to  cooperate  with  the  Trustees  in 
raising  funds  for  the  Professorate,  and  to  recommend  to  them 
a  competent  person  whom  they  might  call  on  a  sufficient  salary 
to  be  Professor  of  Theology  and  also  President  of  the  Col- 
lege. But  the  Synod  resolved  to  press  the  work  of  obtaining 
subscriptions  and  to  postpone  an  answer  to  the  Trustees  until 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  85 

sufficient  funds  had  been  obtained,  when  they  would  fulfil  their 
wishes  as  far  as  possible,  on  the  condition  that  the  Trustees 
should  bind  themselves  to  call  no  Professor  of  Theology  in 
Queen's  College  without  previous  consultation  with,  and  ap- 
proval of  the  Synod. 

The  next  year,  1792,  the  Synod  resolved  that,  "since  some 
of  the  students  of  divinity  find  it  exceedingly  difficult  on  ac- 
count of  deficiency  of  means  to  pursue  their  studies  in  the 
commercial  emporium  of  New  York,  under  the  care  of  the 
Professor,  the  Rev.  Synod  judge  that  one  or  more  of  the 
brethren  in  the  country  should  be  nominated  and  appointed  to 
carry  forward  such  students  in  their  studies  for  the  holy  min- 
istry, in  hope  that  it  will  please  the  great  Lord  and  King  of  his 
Church  speedily  to  open  a  way  for  the  placing  of  the  Profes- 
sorship on  a  desirable  basis,  and  for  this  purpose  "  Solomon 
Froeligh,  V.D.M.,  at  Hackensack  and  Schraalenbergh,  and  Dirck 
Romeyn,  S.S.  Theol.  Doct.  and  minister  at  Schenectady  are 
nominated  and  appointed."  These  Lectors  were  chosen  from 
the  two  extremes  of  the  Church  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
students. 

This  action  was  followed  by  a  proposal  on  the  part  of  the 
Trustees  of  Queen's  College  for  a  union  of  that  institution  with 
Princeton  College,  without  consulting  the  Synod.  The  Synod 
was  greatly  displeased  with  this,  and  directed  that  no  further 
effort  should  be  made  at  present  for  the  establishment  of  a 
Theological  Professorship  in  Queen's  College  ;  that  moneys  in 
hand  collected  for  that  purpose  should  not  be  paid  over,  but 
deposited  in  banks  for  safe  keeping  ;  and  it  was  determined  to 
renew  the  effort  for  an  independent  Theological  school.  The 
proposal  for  a  union  of  Queen's  with  Princeton  came  to  nothing, 
and  the  moneys  collected  were  ordered  to  be  paid  to  the  Trus- 
tees. Objection  was  then  made  to  a  union  with  Queen's  Col- 
lege, on  account  of  its  location  at  New  Brunswick,  and  a  com- 
mittee of  the  Synod  reported,  in  1794,  that  it  ought  to  be 
removed  to  Bergen,  or  to  some  place  in  New  Jersey  still  farther 
north,  and  recommended  a  conference  with  the  Trustees  on 
the  subject  of  removal  ;  and  also  that  if  this  removal  could  not 
be  effected,  the  Divinity  Ilall  should  be  opened  at  Flatbush, 
where  was  a  flourishing  academy  :  that   the  Consistory  of  the 


86  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Collegiate  Church  should  be  asked  to  dispense  with  a  part  of 
Dr.  Livingston's  parochial  services  ;  and  that  the  work  of  col- 
lecting funds  should  be  pressed  with  the  aim  of  raising  enough 
to  support  not  only  one,  but  a  sufficient  number  of  Professors 
constituting  a  Faculty  of  Theology.  Committees  were  ap- 
pointed to  confer  with  i-he  Trustees  about  the  removal  of  the 
College,  and  also  with  the  Consistory  of  the  Collegiat  Church, 
on  a  partial  release  of  Dr.  Livingston  from  service,  and  Messrs. 
Peter  Wilson,  John  Vanderbilt,  Robert  Benson,  and  Richard 
Varick  were  made  trustees  of  the  funds. 

The  contemplated  arrangement  with  the  Collegiate  Church 
was  effected,  and  in  the  spring  of  1796  Dr.  Livingston  removed 
to  Flatbush.  The  Consistory  released  him  from  half  his  service 
as  pastor,  and  he  released  them  from  the  payment  of  half  his 
salary.  He  spent  four  days  of  every  week  in  Flatbush.  This 
arrangement  promised  admirably  well,  for  the  number  of  stu- 
dents was  at  once  considerably  increased. 

Yet  the  manifest  apathy  of  the  Church  greatly  discouraged 
the  Professor.  In  the  first  year  of  his  work  there,  he  wrote  a 
letter  to  the  Particular  Synod  in  which  he  fully  described  the 
condition  of  things  at  the  time,  expressed  his  concern,  and 
earnestly  urged  the  Synod  to  immediate  and  efficient  action, 
suggesting  that  it  would  be  better  for  him  to  discontinue  his 
lectures  than  labor  on  under  the  present  discouragements. 
This  letter  produced  a  very  profound  impression.  The  Synod 
made  an  earnest  request  that  the  Professor  should  continue  in 
his  work,  and  at  the  same  time  adopted  measures  for  securing 
the  necessary  funds,  by  sending  subscription  papers  and  circu- 
lar letters  to  every  church.  But  their  zeal  was  spasmodic,  and 
their  efforts  to  secure  funds  were  not  very  successful,  and  the 
next  year  the  whole  policy  of  the  Church  was  under  these  dis- 
couragmg  circumstances  changed.  The  Synod  thanked  the 
Professor  for  the  work  he  had  gratuitously  performed  in  the 
past,  and  expressed  their  desire  that  he  would  continue  if  he 
could  do  so  consistently  ;  and  in  order  to  meet  the  wants  of 
students  in  different  parts  of  the  Church,  the  Lectors,  Froeligh 
and  Romeyn,  were  promoted  to  be  Professors  in  full. 

The  result  of  this  action  was  that  Prof.  Livingston  removed 
back  to  New  York,  resumed  his  pastoral  work  in  full,  continu- 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  87 

ing,  however,  to  teach  Theology  as  he  had  done  before.  The 
Particular  Synod  of  1799  appointed  Revs.  S.  Froeligh,  J.  A. 
Bassett,  of  Albany,  and  Gerardus  A.  Kuypers,  of  New  York, 
Teachers  in  the  Hebrew  Language. 

A  very  short  time  was  sufficient  to  show  the  short-sighted- 
ness and  harmfulness  of  these  hasty  actions.  To  the  Synod  of 
June,  1800,  five  students  were  reported  to  be  under  the  care  of 
Dr.  Froeligh,  three  under  that  of  Dr.  Romeyn,  and  one  under 
the  care  of  Dr.  Livingston.  The  Synod  then  appointed  a  com- 
mittee of  a  "  minister  and  an  elder  from  each  Classis  to  collect 
the  resolutions  of  Synod  from  the  time  when  the  union  was  ef- 
fected to  the  present  time,  and  to  report  what  measures  are  to 
be  pursued  to  render  the  Professorate  respectable  and  useful." 

This  committee  reported  "  that  the  General  Synod  from  the 
year  1771  have  invariably  had  in  view  the  establishment  of  a 
respectable  and  useful  Professorate,  and  that  until  the  year 
1797  measures  have  been  adopted  time  after  time  to  accom- 
plish this  desirable  object,  but  all  to  no  purpose  ;  that  in  the 
year  1797,  therefore,  the  General  Synod  passed  a  resolution 
that  it  was  impracticable  to  do  anything  more  under  the  exist- 
ing circumstances,  and  also  appointed  two  other  Professors  in 
conjunction  with  Prof.  Livingston,  authorizing  them  to  receive 
from  each  student  annually  the  sum  of  ^10  ($25),  as  a  com- 
pensation for  their  labors  ;  still,  however,  keeping  in  view  the 
aforesaid  establishment." 

It  was  then  determined  "  that  the  Professorate  should  be 
continued  in  the  present  state  until  a  fund  be  raised,  the  in- 
terest of  which  shall  be  sufficient  to  support  and  render  inde- 
pendent one  or  more  Professors,  who  shall  then  devote  all 
their  time  to  the  duties  of  their  office."  A  plan  was  adopted 
at  this  session  for  collections  and  subscriptions  to  be  made  in 
all  the  churches  for  six  years. 

The  amount  raised  by  this  means  was  small  compared  with 
what  was  needed.  The  General  Synod  of  1804  took  import- 
ant action  on  the  subject  of  the  Professorate.  A  committee 
reported  that  the  appointment  of  two  additional  Professors  in 
the  year  1797  was  designed  as  a  temporary  expedient  to  meet 
existing  circumstances;  that  the  Professorate  should  be  re- 
stored to  the  plan  on  which  it  had  first  been   established,  and 


88  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

in  which  it  had  continued  until  1797  ;  that  there  were  advant- 
ages for  a  School  of  Theology  in  being  in,  or  near  a  city,  in  that 
the  students  might  have  access  to  public  libraries,  pursue  other 
branches  of  science  while  studying  Theology,  hear  various 
preachers,  and  form  themselves  on  the  best,  models,  exercise 
themselves  in  catechetical  lectures,  have  more  extensive  inter- 
course with  pious  persons,  and  obtain  a  knowledge  of  men  and 
manners  that  would  be  greatly  useful  to  them  in  the  ministry; 
and  that  the  additional  expense  was  not  so  great,  as  was  sup- 
posed, and  not  enough  to  counterbalance  these  great  and  numer- 
ous advantages;  and  further  that  New  York  was  the  most 
eligible  place  for  the  Theological  School,  and  that  the  Consis- 
tory of  the  Collegiate  Church  had  actually  exercised  their 
right,  granted  by  charter,  to  appoint  a  Professor  of  Divinity 
in  connection- with  King's  College,  by  electing  Prof.  Livingston 
to  that  ofifice.  From  the  communication  of  the  Consistory  to 
the  Synod  we  gather  that  that  Body  was  not  acting  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  Synod,  but  was  desirous  of  its  co-operation,  and 
was  proposing  a  measure  which  they  thought  would,  under 
the  existing  circumstances,  be  a  benefit  to  the  Professorate. 
They  declared  that  they  would  never  exercise  their  right  to 
appoint  a  Professor,  otherwise  than  in  the  way  they  were  now 
doing  it,  viz.,  by  appointing  as  their  Professor  the  same  who 
had  already  been  appointed  by  the  Synod,  or  for  whom  they 
had  obtained  the  approbation  of  the  Synod  ;  and  besides,  that 
they  would  not  on  the  one  hand  remove  a  Professor  without 
the  advice  of  General  Synod,  nor  on  the  other  decline  to  re- 
move one  if  the  Synod  adjudged  that  it  should  be  done  The 
Consistory  may  have  taken  this  action  as  a  means  of  relief  from 
some  embarassment,  or  as  a  stimulus  to  decisive  action  on  the 
part  of  the  Synod.  Perhaps  loyalty  to  their  pastor,  who  might 
might  have  received  better  treatment,  had  something  to  do 
with  the  matter,  and  there  may  have  been  some  promise  of 
help  toward  the  pecuniary  support  of  the  Professor  conditioned 
on  this  arrangement.  The  committee  on  the  Professorate 
seemed  to  favor  the  plan,  for  they  said  in  their  report  :  "By 
uniting  these  two  things,  support,  honor  and  permanency  will 
be  afforded  to  the  Professor,  and  the  establishment  put  upon  a 
more  desirable  foundation  than  ever  heretofore." 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  89 

But  the  Synod  declined  to  adopt  the  proposed  plan,  for  they 
were  unwilling  to  "  blend  their  Theological  Professorate  with 
any  other  establishment  not  derived  from  the  immediate 
authority  of  the  Low  Dutch  Reformed  churches."  The 
following  important  things  were  determined  by  this  Synod, 
viz.,  that  all  the  churches  should  unite  in  the  establishment  of 
only  one  Professor  in  Theology  ;  that  a  fund  for  the  support 
of  the  same  should  be  raised  ;  that  the  two  professors  who  had 
been  appointed  in  1797  by  the  Particular  Synod  should  con- 
tinue in  their  ofifices  during  life,  or  good  behavior,  but  that 
successors  to  them  should  not  be  appointed  ;  that  the  tempor- 
ary seat  of  the  Permanent  Professor  should  be  New  York 
city  ;  and  that  all  funds  raised  for  the  Professorate  should  be 
put  in  charge  of  the  Consistory  of  the  Church  of  New  York. 

This  Synod  also  formally  elected  Dr.  Livingston  Permanent 
Professor,  and  Revs.  John  Bassett  and  Jeremiah  Romeyn  Pro- 
fessors of  the  Hebrew  Language,  to  take  the  places  of  the  Pro- 
fessors of  Hebrew  appointed  by  the  Particular  Synod  in  1799, 
and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  devise  ways  and  means  for 
the  support  of  the  Permanent  Professor,  and  to  transmit 
their  plan  to  the  Particular  Synods  for  approval  and  action. 

What  seemed  to  be  a  desperate  final  effort,  was  made  by  the 
Synod  of  1806,  which  appointed  committees  of  three  in  every 
Classis  to  obtain  subscriptions  and  collect  moneys.  "  But  every 
expedient  seemed  to  be  unavailing.  The  resolutions  and  plans 
of  the  Synod  seemed  to  be  futile.  The  uncertainty  of  loca- 
tion seemed  to, destroy  every  effort.  The  prospects  grew  faint 
and  dubious.  The  most  sanguine  friends  of  the  Professorate 
were  ready  to  despair  concerning  it."* 

But  soon  light  sprang  up  unexpectedly  out  of  the  darkness. 
The  Trustees  of  Queen's  College,  which  had  been  closed  thir- 
teen years,  sent  a  communication  to  the  Synod  of  1807,  in 
which  they  expressed  their  determination  to  revive  the  College, 
provided  that  arrangements  could  be  made  that  would  promise 
for  it  respectability  and  usefulness.  Their  proposition,  which 
had  already  been  submitted  to,  and  approved  by  the  Particular 
Synod  of  New  York,  was  to  raise  funds  for  the  support  of  the 
Professorate,  provided  that  the  General  Synod  would  agree  to 

•  Corwin's  Manual,  p.  164. 


90  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

unite  it  with  the  College,  the  Trustees  agreeing  to  call  no  Pro- 
fessor but  the  one  who  had  been  elected  by  the  General  Synod. 
The  Synod  cordially  approved  of  the  proposal,  and  what  is 
known  as  the  Covenant  of  1807,  was  entered  into  by  the 
parties.  It  was  agreed  that  both  parties  should  unite  in  efforts 
to  combine  the  literary  interests  with  the  support  of  evangeli- 
cal truth,  and  the  promotion  of  an  able  and  faithful  ministry 
in  the  Dutch  Church  ;  that  the  moneys  raised  by  the  Trustees 
in  the  State  of  New  York  should  be  devoted  to  the  Theologi- 
cal Professorate,  and  the  aid  of  poor  young  men  preparing  for 
the  gospel  ministry  ;  that  the  Trustees  should  hold  the  funds 
collected  for  these  purposes  ;  that  the  location  of  the  Theologi- 
cal School  should  be  at  New  Brunswick  ;  that  the  Trustees 
should  carry  out  these  arrangements  as  soon  as  a  sufficiency  of 
funds  had  been  raised  ;  that  a  "  Board  of  Superintendents  of 
the  Theological  Institution  in  Queen's  College  "  should  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  General  Synod  ;  that  the  Synod  should  provide 
money  for  a  library,  and  also  unite  with  the  Trustees  in  the 
erection  of  a  building  for  the  accommodation  of  both  the 
literary  and  theological  departments,  moneys  for  which  might 
be  taken,  if  needed,  from  the  funds  raised  for  the  Professorate. 
Collections  were  directed  by  the  Synod  to  be  made  in  all  the 
churches,  to  which,  also,  the  agents  of  the  Synod  were  com- 
mended. The  Synod  also  adopted  an  "Address  to  the 
Churches,"  prepared  by  Drs.  John  N.  Abeel,  Jeremiah  Romeyn 
and  Gerardus  A.  Kuypers,  in  which  the  history  of  the  past 
efforts  was  fully  and  ably  given.  We  quote  from  its  conclud- 
ing sentences : 

"  An  institution  for  the  express  purpose  of  educating  pious 
young  men  for  the  ministry,  is  the  proper  expedient  for  ar^ 
resting  the  progress  of  error  and  delusion,  for  extending  real 
piety,  and  building  up  the  Church  of  God.  Impressed  with 
this  truth  many  of  the  Churches  of  America  have  devised  plans 
and  made  efforts,  which  promise  the  greatest  benefits  to  the 
general  interests  of  religion,  and  extension  to  their  particular 
denomination.  With  an  equal  proportion  of  wealth,  and  ad- 
vantages which  none  of  them  enjoy  in  a  constitutional  provision 
for  a  Theological  Professorate  and  in  compactness  of  local  sit- 
uation the  Reformed  Church  has  fallen  behind  all  the  rest,  in 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  9t 

that  very  point  which  involves  the  best  support  of  her  Savior's 
cause,  and  her  dearest  interests,  if  not  her  existence  and 
her  name.  In  this  matter  slie  has  reviewed  her  history  with 
regret,  and  lamented  the  apathy  and  unsteadiness  which  have 
marked  her  counsels,  and  the  languor  which  has  marred  her 
efforts.  The  plan  now  submitted  forms  her  last  hope,  and  the 
committee  are  happy  in  having  it  in  their  power  to  state  that 
this  hope  has  been  greatly  encouraged  by  the  generous  contri- 
butions of  one  portion  of  her  members.  Its  consummation  rests 
wMth  those  to  whom  the  application  is  yet  to  be  made." 

The  work  of  collecting  funds  was  begun  by  the  Trustees 
with  great  hopefulness.  It  was  an  era  of  good  feeling.  All 
parties  were  interested,  and  they  worked  heartily  together, 
and  their  efforts  were  crowned  with  success.  Ten  thousand 
dollars  were  collected  in  a  few  days  in  the  Church  of  New  York, 
and  four  hundred  in  Harlem.  The  trustees  promptly  called 
Dr.  Livingston  to  be  Professor  of  Theology  with  a  salary  of 
$750,  and  also  to  be  President  of  the  College  at  a  salary  of  $250. 
He  accepted  the  former,  and  at  first  declined  the  latter,  but  af- 
terwards accepted  it.  He  did  not  immediately  remove  to  New 
Brunswick,  for  he  was  unwilling  hastily  to  leave  his  charge  in 
New  York,  and  he  was  afraid  that  his  removal  to  New  Bruns- 
wick at  that  time  would  be  attended  w-ith  a  relaxation  of  effort 
on  the  part  of  the  Church  to  increase  the  professorial  fund. 
His  course  was  approved  by  the  Synod  which  urged  the 
churches  to  respond  liberally  to  the  appeals  of  the  Trustees. 
He  was  influenced,  not  by  personal  considerations,  but  by  a 
desire  to  see  the  Professorship  established  on  a  solid  and  re- 
spectable basis. 


03  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

FROM  THE    REMOVAL   OF   THE    SCHOOL   TO  NEW  BRUNS- 
WICK TO  THE  DEATH  OF  DR.  LIVINGSTON,  1810-1825. 

Dr.  Livingston  Removes  to  New  Brunswick — Van  Bunschooten 
Bequest — Professor's  First  Official  Report — Plan  of  Theo- 
logical School  Adopted— Rev.  J.  M.  Van  Harlingen  Elected 
Professor — His  Death — Removal  of  the  School  Proposed — Dr. 

SCHUREMAN  ELECTED  PROFESSOR — PLAN  FOR  THEOLOGICAL  COL- 
LEGE— Exercises  of  the  College  Suspended — Question  of  Re- 
moval OF  Theological  School  settled — Death  of  Professor 
ScHUREMAN— Dr.  Ludlow  Elected  Professor^College  Prop- 
erty bought  by  General  Synod— Second  Professorship  En- 
dowed— Dr.  Ludlow's  Resignation— Dr.  John  De  Witt's  Elec- 
tion— Third  Professorship  endowed — Professor  Livingston's 
Death — Honor  Due  to  his  Memory. 

In  the  month  of  February,  18 10,  the  trustees  offered  Dr. 
Livingston  a  salary  of  $650  more  than  they  had  previously 
offered.  He  now  made  his  arrangements  to  remove  to  New 
Brunswick,  which  he  did  in  the  month  of  October  of  that  year. 
In  December,  the  Trustees,  in  view  of  his  importance  to  the 
Institution  and  ot  the  pecuniary  sacrifice  he  was  making, 
promised  him  a  salary  of  $1,700,  with  an  allowance  of  $300  for 
house  rent,  provided  the  income  of  the  Theological  Fund  would 
warrant  it,  and  promising  to  make  up  any  deficiency,  whenever 
the  state  of  the  funds  should  permit. 

As  to  the  Presidency  of  the  College,  it  was  stipulated  by  him 
that  he  should  not  be  expected  to  render  much  active  service 
in  it.  He  was  required  by  his  call  to  preside  at  Commence- 
ments, and  authenticate  diplomas,  and  take  a  general  super- 
intendence of  the  Institution  as  far  as  his  time  and  health 
might  admit.  He  proposed  to  give  himself  chiefly  to  his  work 
as  a  Professor  of  Theology,  and  to  it  he  devoted  himself  with 
all  his  energies,  while  Rev.  Dr.  Ira  Condict,  pastor  of  the 
church  at  New  Brunswick,  as  Vice  President  of  the  College, 
performed  the  ordinary  duties  of  a  President. 

He  was  at  this  time  sixty-four  years  of  age,  had  been  a  pas- 
tor forty  years,  and  a  Professor  without  pecuniary  compensa- 
tion  twenty-six  years.     In  writing  to  a    friend,  he  speaks  in  a 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  95 

very  touching  manner  of  the  trial  of  leaving  his  charge  and 
friends  at  his  time  of  life.  It  was  a  sacrifice  in  many  respects. 
The  pecuniary  sacrifice  was  great,  for  he  relinquished  a  salary 
of  $2,500  and  house,  for  one  of  $1,400,  afterwards  increased  to 
$2,000,  neither  of  which  did  he  receive  in  full.  He  wrote  to 
the  Trustees  that  "  the  importance  of  the  Institution  and  the 
necessity  of  organizing  it  without  delay  were  so  imperative 
that  he  would  not  hesitate  to  comply  with  the  call  of  the 
churches,  being  fully  persuaded  that  when  he  made  such  large 
and  painful  sacrifices  for  the  public,  he  would  most  assuredly 
not  be  neglected  or  forsaken  by  them." 

He  began  the  delivery  of  his  lectures  in  October,  18 10,  in 
his  own  purchased  house  in  Albany  street,  now  No.  59,  to  five 
students,  viz:  Thomas  DeWitt,  John  S.  Mabon,  Robert  Bronk, 

Peter  S.  Wynkoop  and Barclay. 

The  funds  fell  short,  for  the  Trustees  were  hindered  in  col- 
lecting money  by  the  financial  condition  of  the  country.  The 
Professor  received  only  $1,200  for  two  years  of  service.  But 
his  disinterestedness  appears  in  the  statement  made  by  him  in 
his  first  official  communication  to  the  Synod  in  181 2,  in  which 
he  generously  relinquished  all  claims  for  arrears  of  salary.  He 
says  :  "  This  agreement  was  considered  by  the  Professor  when 
it  was  made,  to  be  merely  nominal,  and  as  he  supposed,  to  be 
honorable  for  the  Institution,  that  it  might  appear  equal  to 
other  establishments  among  the  denominations  around  us  ;  and 
which,  whenever  the  funds  should  be  found  adequate,  ought  to 
be  given  ;  but  he  knew  the  funds  were  deficient,  and  it  never 
entered  into  his  mind  to  have  the  deficiency  made  up  to  him> 
or  to  accumulate  a  charge  upon  them.  He  was  contented  with 
what  the  Trustees  had  previously  mentioned,  notwithstanding 
it  was  inadequate,  or  he  would  not  have  removed.  He  knew  it 
was  all  they  had  in  hand,  and  his  zeal  to  promote  the  Institution 
urged  him  to  sacrifice  every  other  consideration.  The  Profes- 
sor, in  the  communication  he  now  makes,  has  nothing  more  in 
view  than  simply,  and  with  affectionate  confidence  to  state  the 
facts,  as  far  as  they  have  proceeded  towards  organizing  the 
Theological  School ;  but  to  remove  all  possible  misapprehen- 
sions, he  takes  this  opportunity  publicly  and  explicitly  to  re- 
nounce forever  to  the  Synod  and  Board  of  Trustees  any  claim 


■94  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

which  might  be  suggested  to  arise  from  the  last  arrangement 
made  by  the  Trustees,  as  it  respects  any  deficiency  in  the  nom- 
inal increased  salary.  After  serving  the  churches  thirty  years 
in  teaching  students  without  compensation,  it  would  be  an  in- 
jurious reflection  upon  him  to  suppose  that  he  would  ever  prove 
burdensome  to  them.  He  seeks  not  yours  but  you,  and  would 
very  gladly  spend  and  be  spent  for  you." 

When  Dr.  Livingston  removed  to  New  Brunswick,  he  did  it 
manifestly  with  the  intention  of  spending  the  remainder  of 
his  life  there,  and  if  it  pleased  God,  of  placing  the  Seminary  on 
a  firm  foundation,  and  of  securing  for  it  the  warm  sympathy  of 
the  whole  Church.  Knowing  well  that  the  candidates  for  the 
ministry  have  ever  come  largely  from  the  ranks  of  the  poor  of 
this  world,  he  before  his  removal  made  a  successful  application 
to  his  friend,  the  Rev.  Elias  Van  Bunschooten,  to  devote  a 
portion  of  his  property  to  the  establishment  of  a  fund  for  the 
assistance  of  indigent  young  men  while  pursuing  their  studies 
preparatory  to  the  ministry.  In  the  year  1814  Mr.  V.  B.  gave 
in  trust  for  this  object  to  the  trustees  of  Queen's  College  the 
sum  of  $14,640.  This  was  by  a  bequest  in  his  will  afterwards 
increased  to  $17,000.  It  has  been  allowed  to  accumulate  to  the 
amount  of  $20,000,  which  is  now  the  principal  sum  of  the  fund. 
We  have  heard  the  Van  Bunschooten  Bequest  so  often  read  in 
Classes  and  Synods,  as  required  by  the  donor,  that  we  have 
perhaps  failed  to  appreciate  its  importance  as  a  factor  in  the 
history  of  this  Seminary.  The  unceasing,  beneficent  results  of 
this  gift,  very  munificent  for  that  day,  it  is  impossible  to 
estimate.  Not  less  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  ministers  have 
received  aid  from  it  while  prosecuting  their  studies,  and  some 
of  them  have  been,  and  are  among  our  best  and  most  useful 
ministers.  And  still  the  stream  is  flowing  on.  Not  a  class  is 
graduated  without  containing  one  or  more  of  the  beneficiaries 
of  this  fund.  Nor  can  we  doubt  that  the  hope  of  the  pious 
donor,  that  others  might  be  stimulated  to  do  the  like,  has  been 
realized  in  the  considerable  number  of  about  fifty  endowed 
scholarships,  that  have  since  been  established,  representing  an 
aggregate  amount  of  $113,109.88.  Let  us  thank  God  for 
Elias  Van  Bunschooten. 

In  18 12,  Prof.  Livingston  made  his  first  official  report  to  the 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  ••  95 

General  Synod,  in  which  he  reviewed  the  history  of  the  school, 
stated  its  condition  at  the  time,  and  earnestly  urged  attention 
to  the  vital  matter  of  endowment.  A  Plan  of  the  Theological 
School  was  adopted  at  this  session,  which,  with  some  modifica- 
tions, has  remained  in  force  until  the  present  time.  It  was 
provided  by  this  Plan  that  the  School  should  not  be  considered 
as  completely  organized  without  three  Professors,  and  that  all 
of  them  should  be  ordained  ministers  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  ;  that  the  time  and  course  of  study  should  not  be  less 
than  three  years  ;  that  a  Board  of  Superintendents,  consisting 
of  three  ministers  from  the  Particular  Synod  of  New  York, 
three  from  the  Particular  Synod  of  Albany,  and  three  from  the 
Trustees  of  Queen's  College,  should  be  appointed  by  the  Gen- 
eral Synod  to  hold  office  for  three  years.  The  constitution  of 
the  Board  of  Superintendents  has,  in  the  course  of  years, 
been  several  times  modified.  At  present  it  consists  of  one 
member  from  each  Classis,  who  may  be  a  minister  or  elder, 
nominated  by  the  Classis  and  confirmed  by  the  Synod,  and  six 
elders-at-large,  confirmed  by  the  General  Synod. 

The  Synod  also  prescribed  the  course  of  studies,  provided 
for  vacations,  and  defined  the  duties  of  Professors  and  students. 
Professorial  certificates  were  to  be  given  by  recommendation 
of  the  Board  to  students,  who,  having  pursued  the  full  course 
of  studies,  had  passed  their  final  examination  before  the 
Board.  These  certificates  entitled  the  holders  of  them  to  ex- 
amination for  license  by  their  respective  Classes. 

At  this  session,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bassett  resigned  his  position 
as  Professor  of  the  Hebrew  language,  and  the  Rev.  John  M. 
Van  Harlingen,  of  Millstone,  was  appointed  Professor  of  He- 
brew and  Ecclesiastical  History,  which  office  he  held  for  one 
year  only,  death  then  terminating  his  work.  Rev.  Peter 
Studdiford,  of  Readington,  was,  in  November,  1813,  appointed 
by  the  Board  of  Superintendents,  teacher  of  Hebrew  until  the 
next  meeting  of  the  General  Synod. 

The  interests  of  the  Theological  School  and  Queen's  College 
were  under  the  Covenant  of  1807,  so  closely  connected  that 
we  find  it  necessary  frequently  to  refer  to  the  former  as  we 
pursue  our  narrative.  The  College  was  now  suffering  greatly 
from  a  lack  of  funds.     The  Trustees  had  spent  all   the  money 


96  «(«!  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

that  they  could  command  in  the  erection  of  the  College  build- 
ing and  they  were  in  debt. 

The  College  also  suffered  what  seemed  to  be  an  irreparable 
loss,  by  the  death  of  its  very  efficient  and  beloved  acting  Pres- 
dent,  Condict.  He  was  removed  by  death  June  i,  i8ir,  when 
in  the  midst  of  his  years  and  his  usefulness. 

Rev.  John  Schureman  was  immediately  appointed  his 
successor.  Mr.  S.  was,  at  the  time  of  his  appointment,  one  of 
the  pastors  of  the  Collegiate  Church  in  New  York  City.  He 
was  a  native  of  New  Brunswick,  a  son  of  Hon.  James  Schure- 
man, who  was  an  early  friend  and  Trustee  of  the  College,  and 
who  had  filled  many  positions  of  honor  and  trust,  the  highest 
of  which  v/as  that  of  U.  S.  Senator.  His  ancestor,  Jacobus 
Schureman,  had  come  from  Holland  as  voorleser  and  school- 
master with  Dom.  Theod.  J.  Frelinghuysen.  But,  although 
Dr.  S.  was  eminently  fitted  for  his  position,  and  he  had  the 
assistance  of  an  able,  though  small,  corps  of  professors,  the  In- 
stitution continued  to  languish  under  its  embarrassments,  un- 
til, in  the  year  1816,  the  exercises  were  wholly  suspended. 

Meanwhile,  Dr.  Livingston  continued  to  deliver  his  lectures 
as  Professor  of  Theology.  But  the  embarrassment  of  the  Col- 
lege furnished  the  occasion  for  raising  the  question  of 
the  expediency  of  severing  the  Theological  School  from  it,  and 
bringing  the  latter  back  again  to  New  York  city. 

There  were  many  in  New  York  who  had  never  favored  the 
removal  of  it  to  New  Brunswick,  and  who  could  not  be  per- 
suaded that  good  might  come  out  of  its  union  with  Queen's 
College.  Some  were  personally  attached  to  Dr.  Livingston 
as  their  former  beloved  pastor,  and  they  desired  to  have  him 
among  them  again.  It  was  said  that  if  the  School  was  removed 
to  New  York,  the  necessary  funds  for  its  support  would  likely 
be  obtained,  and  that  it  would  there  have  a  more  prominent 
position  before  the  Church  and  country.  It  was  thought  by 
some  that  Dr.  L.  approved  and  encouraged  this  effort,  if,  in- 
deed, he  had  not  originated  it.  But  he  clearly  indicated  his 
position  in  two  letters,  which  he  wrote  at  the  time,  to  his 
friend,  Isaac  L.  Kip,  of  New  York  City.  In  the  first  of  these, 
dated  Sept  i,  1813,  hesays:  "It  will  suffice  to  observe  that 
after  an  institution  is  already  established,  it  requires  great  pru- 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  97 

dence  and  caution  to  oppose  it.  The  best  of  causes  may  by 
precipitation  or  rashness  be  essentially  marred.  To  do  too 
much  may  sometimes  be  worse  than  to  do  too  little.  Every 
step  will  require  mature  deliberation,  and  nothing  positive 
with  respect  to  the  ultimate  location  ought  to  be  immediately 
adopted.  The  subject  in  all  its  bearings  is  interesting  in  the 
highest  degree  to  the  peace  of  the  churches,  and  very  impor- 
tant to  myself ;  but,  unless  I  know  more  of  the  progress  and 
precise  object  of  your  friendly  consultations,  or  until  my  ad- 
vice be  requested,  it  would  be  an  improper  anticipation  to  sug- 
gest any  particular  idea  or  sentiment." 

The  subject  of  the  removal  of  the  School  from  New  Bruns- 
wick was  then  dropped. 

In  the  year  1814,  there  were  some  signs  of  a  purpose  to  in- 
crease the  efficiency  of  the  Institution,  One  hundred  dollars 
were  appropriated  for  the  purchase  of  books  for  the  library, 
and  as  a  considerable  number  of  volumes  had  been  previously 
received  by  donation,  a  librarian  was  appointed.  Three  hun- 
dred dollars  were  appropriated  for  the  relief  of  indigent  stu- 
dents, and  the  first  movement  was  also  made  toward  the 
establishment  and  endowment  of  the  second  Professorship. 
The  Board  of  Superintendents  in  their  report  to  the  Synod 
of  that  year  used  the  following  language  : 

''  But  they  have  to  lament  that  some  very  important 
branches  of  a  theological  education  cannot  be  pursued  with  all 
desirable  advantage,  on  account  of  a  deficiency  in  the  contem- 
plated number  of  Professors.  Prof.  Livingston,  by  his  faith- 
fulness and  diligence,  deserves  the  gratitude  of  the  Church  and 
Synod  ;  but  the  duties  are  too  extensive  and  various  for  one 
person  ;  and  even  if  he  were  willing  to  undertake  them,  the 
relief  of  this  aged  and  venerable  teacher,  the  plan  of  the  School,, 
its  respectability  and  usefulness,  together  with  the  reputation 
and  interests  of  the  Church  at  large,  require  the  establishment 
of  at  least  another  Professorship.  Toward  this  object  the 
Board  has  learned  from  the  Trustees  of  Queen's  College  that 
the  Consistory  of  the  Church  in  Albany  has  resolved  to  give 
$750  a  year  for  six  years,  and  the  Consistory  of  the  Church  in 
New  Brunswick  $200  a  year  for  the  same  time,  upon  condition 
that  other  churches  will  contribute  proportionately  to  the 
7 


98  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

same  object.  Could  some  of  our  endowed  churches  be  in- 
duced to  aid  with  their  substance  in  this  pious  design,  and 
establish  a  Professorship,  which  should  embrace  the  Hebrew 
Language,  Biblical  Criticism,  and  Ecclesiastical  History,  the 
School  would  present  to  the  Church  all  reasonable  advantages 
for  an  adequate  education  for  the  gospel  ministry,  and  be 
established  on  a  foundation  which  would  invite  the  confidence 
and  promote  the  welfare  of  our  Zion.  After  this  statement  of 
their  proceedings,  and  of  the  operations,  wants,  and  present 
state  of  the  school,  the  Board  conclude  with  respectfully  urg- 
ing on  the  attention  of  Synod  the  adoption  of  measures  for  the 
establishment  and  support  of  a  second  Professorship," 

The  Synod  thanked  these  churches  for  their  liberal  propos- 
als, and  called  upon  the  other  churches  to  imitate  their  ex- 
amples, and  by  the  next  Synod  Rev.  Dr.  Schureman  was 
appointed  Professor  of  Pastoral  Theolog>^  and  Ecclesiastical 
History,  at  a  salary  of  $1,200,  and  the  use  of  part  of  the  College 
edifice  for  a  residence.  He  was  inaugurated  on  the  third 
Tuesday  of  November,  181 5.  Rev.  Dr.  Philip  Milledoler  pre- 
sided and  preached  the  sermon,  and  Rev.  James  S.  Cannon 
delivered  the  charge  to  the  Professor. 

The  low  state  and  discouraging  prospects  of  the  College  at 
this  time  induced  Dr.  Livingston  to  propose  a  plan  which  he 
had  before  had  in  his  mind,  for  converting  Queen's  into  a 
Theological  College.  This  plan  was  approved  by  the  Synod, 
and  accepted  by  the  Trustees.  It  was  provided  by  it,  that  the 
Professor  of  Mathematics  to  be  chosen  by  the  Trustees  should 
be  a  professor  of  religion,  or  at  least  should  subscribe  to  the 
doctrines  contained  in  the  Belgic  Confession  of  Faith  and  the 
Held.  Catechism  ;  that  the  various  studies  of  a  complete  Col- 
lege curriculum,  ,  excepting  Mathematics  and  Natural  Phi- 
losophy, should  be  distributed  among  the  Professors  of  The- 
ology ;  that  the  teaching  of  them  should  be  made  compulsory 
on  those  Professors  ;  that  the  salaries  should  be  $1,400,  of 
which  the  Synod  was  to  pay  one-half  in  the  cases  of  Professors 
of  their  appointment,  and  the  Trustees  one-half,  and  that  ar- 
rangements should  be  made  to  obtain  additional  funds  by  col- 
lections from  the  Churches. 

This  plan,  although  agreed  to  by  both  parties,  was  not  car- 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  99 

ricd  fully  into  effect,  because  of  the  unsatisfactory  state  of  the 
funds  of  the  College.  The  Trustees,  on  the  23d  of  September, 
1 8 16,  resolved,  that  the  exercises  of  the  College  should  from 
that  day  be  suspended,  and  they  remained  so  for  nine  years. 
At  the  same  time,  they  offered  the  College  building  and  premises 
under  certain  conditions  to  the  Synod  for  the  use  of  the  Theo- 
logical School ;  they  pledged  themselves  to  do  all  in  their 
power  to  promote  its  interests ;  they  took  measures  to  keep 
the  Grammar  School  alive ;  they  met  regularly  to  attend  to 
business  in  administering  the  Professorial,  Van  Bunschooten 
and  other  funds,  and  in  devising  measures  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  state  of  their  finances.  They  showed,  as  they  had 
ever  done  before,  that  they  were  loyal  to  the  Dutch  Church, 
deeply  interested  in  theological  education,  and  desirous  that 
the  College  should  fulfil  the  purpose  of  its  charter  in  helping 
to  prepare  a  well-qualified  ministry  for  the  Dutch  Church. 
Moreover,  they  were  hopeful  of  the  resuscitation  at  no  distant 
day  of  the  College  they  loved  so  well. 

This  state  of  things  furnished  an  opportunity  for  a  reopen- 
ing of  the  question  of  the  removal  of  the  Theological  School 
to  New  York  city.  It  was  represented  that  the  School  would 
be  better  supported  and  be  made  more  extensively  useful  by 
the  removal,  and  that  members  of  the  Church  residing  in  New 
York  had  made  liberal  offers  of  support,  if  it  were  removed.  A 
committee  was  appointed  by  the  Synod  to  confer  with  a  com- 
mittee of  the  Trustees  of  the  College,  to  ascertain  whether  such 
removal  could  be  made  consistently  with  the  compact  existing 
between  the  Synod  and  Trustees,  and  whether  the  moneys  they 
had  in  trust  could  be  used  if  the  location  was  changed,  also 
to  ascertain  what  funds  and  accommodations  could  be  pledged 
for  the  support  of  the  School  if  removed,  to  New  York.  It 
was  reported  by  this  committee  that  $2,625,  for  five  years,  had 
been  subscribed  by  forty-one  persons ;  that  two  donations  of 
$50  each  had  been  given;  that  a  legacy  of  $250  had  been  re- 
ceived ;  that  two  lecture-rooms  without  expense  had  been 
promised ;  that  $600  had  been  raised  by  a  Cent  society,  and 
that  these  subscriptions,  donations  and  this  legacy  were  avail- 
able for  the  support  of  the  Theological  School,  only  on  con- 
dition that  it  should  be  located  in  the  city  of  New  York. 


100  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

But  the  Trustees  of  the  College  decidedly  disapproved  of  the 
removal  of  the  School,  and  beside  other  reasons  given,  they 
claimed  that  according  to  the  compact  of  1807,  all  the  funds  of 
every  kind  would,  by  such  removal,  be  placed  beyond  the  con- 
trol of  the  General  Synod,  and  be  unavailable  for  the  support 
of  the  School. 

The  General  Synod  at  an  extra  session  held  in  October,. 
1817,  adopted  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Profes- 
sorate on  the  subject,  finally  disposing  of  the  question  of  re- 
moval, by  declaring  it  to  be  entirely  inadmissible.  The 
committee  said  in  their  report:  "It  is  hoped  that  this  Synod 
will  put  this  subject  at  rest.  The  repeated  agitation  of  the 
question  produces  no  beneficial  effect,  but  it  is  seriously  in- 
jurious, inasmuch  as  it  encourages  the  opposition  of  the  cold,  it 
satisfies  the  frivolous  excuses  of  theluke-warm,  and  it  paralyzes 
the  efforts  of  the  best  friends  of  the  Institution.  It  should  be 
distinctly  understood  throughout  our  Church,  that,  so  long  as 
the  Trustees  of  Queen's  College  shall  adhere  to  their  engage- 
ments, which  they  have  done  hitherto,  so  long  the  General 
Synod  will  not,  and  cannot  in  good  faith,  remove  the  School 
without  the  consent  of  the  Trustees." 

It  was  at  the  same  time  "  resolved,  that  until  an  adequate 
permanent  fund  can  be  procured,  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  Gen- 
eral Synod  that  the  Theological  College  can  be  maintained  by 
Cent  and  other  societies,  provided  they  be  instituted  and 
vigorously  supported  in  all  our  congregations." 

A  constitution  for  such  societies  was  adopted,  and  agents 
were  appointed  to  organize  them  in  all  the  congregations.  This 
was  an  attempt  to  enlist  all  the  members  of  all  the  churches, 
including  the  poorest,  in  the  Institution,  and  to  supply  for  a 
season  the  deficiency  of  income  from  invested  funds.  The 
Reports  of  the  Treasurer  show  that  these  societies  were  quite 
generally  formed  and  were  of  considerable  service. 

A  sad  vacancy  was  made  in  1818,  by  the  lamented  death,  at 
the  age  of  40,  of  Prof.  Schureman,  "  one  of  the  worthies  of  our 
Church — a  man  greatly  beloved  and  confided  in." 

Rev.  Thomas  De  Witt,  pastor  of  the  churches  of  Hopewell 
and  New  Hackensack,  N.  Y.,  was  elected  as  his  successor,  but 
he  declined.     The  Synod  allowed  the  place   to  remain   vacant 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  101 

for  one  year,  in  the  hope  that  Mr.  De  Witt  might  be  prevailed 
on  to  accept,  but  he  persisted  in  declining.  The  Board  of 
Superintendents  then  secured  the  services  for  one  year  as  tem- 
porary instructors,  of  Rev.  James  S.  Cannon,  pastor  of  the 
church  of  Six  Mile  Run,  and  Rev.  John  S.  Mabon,  who  had 
charge  of  the  Grammar  School.  The  former  taught  Ecclesiastical 
History,  Church  Government,  and  Pastoral  Theology,  and  the 
latter  the  Hebrew  and  Greek  Languages.  Their  work  was 
most  satisfactorily  performed. 

The  Synod  of  June  1819,  held  an  election  to  fill  the  vacancy 
and  chose  Rev.  John  Ludlow,  Pastor  of  the  church  in  New 
Brunswick,  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature  and  Ecclesiastical 
History.  During  the  suspension  of  the  exercises  of  the  Col- 
lege, a  dispute  arose  between  the  Trustees  and  the  Synod 
about  the  control  of  the  old  Professorial  and  the  Van  Bun- 
schooten  Funds.  The  former  had  been  raised  by  the  Trustees 
for  the  support  of  the  Theological  Professor  ;  the  latter  had 
been  entrusted  to  them  by  the  donor.  The  Trustees  felt  that 
they  could  not  relinquish  their  trust,  but  at  the  same  time  as- 
sured the  Synod  that  the  Funds  should  be  administered  in 
strict  accordance  with  the  intentions  of  the  donors,  and  that 
they  would  always  be  glad  of  any  advice  the  Synod  could  give 
them.     The  matter  was  amicably  settled. 

The  Trustees  being  greatly  embarrassed,  and  also  indebted 
to  the  Synod,  offered  to  convey  to  the  latter  the  College  pro- 
perty, but  with  conditions  which  the  Synod  felt  compelled  to 
decline.  However,  the  Synod  finally  purchased  the  property 
for  14,800,  releasing  the  Trustees  at  the  same  time  from  pay- 
ment of  a  debt  of  $2,212.02  owed  by  them  to  the  Synod. 
This  was  done  in  June  1824,  the  money  needed  being  raised 
by  those  true  and  indefatigable  friends  of  the  Institutions  at 
New  Brunswick,  Abraham  Van  Nest  and  Isaac  Heyer,  of  New 
York  City,  and  Jacob  R.  Hardenbergh,  of  New  Brunswick. 

Shortly  before  this,  a  most  important  movement  had  been 
begun  and  successfully  carried  on,  marking  an  era  in  the  history 
of  this  Theological  School.  The  process  of  living  from  hand 
to  mouth,  which  had  never  been  otherwise  regarded  than  tem- 
porary, to  meet  the  present  distress  and  tide  over  present  diffi- 
•culties,  had   become  unendurable.     The  need  of  a  permanent 


103  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

endowment  was  pressingly  felt.  A  goocHy  number  of  students 
were  in  attendance,  the  Professors  were  able  and  devoted  men, 
enjoying  the  confidence  of  the  churches,  and  a  strong  feeling 
was  awakened  that  the  time  had  now  come  for  a  general  and 
vigorous  effort  to  secure  a  sufficient,  permanent  endowment. 

As  had  always  been  the  case  before  in  important  matters 
relating  to  the  welfare  of  the  Institution,  so  now,  the  vener- 
able Prof.  Livingston,  though  approaching  the  close  of  his 
work,  took  the  initiative.  He  felt  that  the  time  for  action  had 
come,  and  he  fully  believed  that  a  movement  made  now  would 
be  successful.  He  sounded  the  trumpet  call.  In  a  letter  to  a 
friend,  dated  Dec.  21,  1820,  he  says:  "  It  certainly  can  answer 
no  purpose  to  waste  our  time  and  strength  in  lamentations,  or 
to  expect  that  mere  talking,  and  forming  plans  without  put- 
ting them  in  execution  will  ever  produce  the  great  end  in 
view.  The  dispute  and  contest  with  the  Trustees  of  Queen's 
College  have  indeed  been  carried  on  and  are  not  yet  decided. 
But  after  all,  what  is  the  amount  of  this  whole  dispute?  What 
is  the  paltry  sum  the  Trustees  assert  to  be  liquidated  ?  And, 
indeed,  what  is  their  whole  Fund,  and  even  the  Van  Buns- 
chooten  Legacy,  which  is  out  upon  bonds  that  are  not  paid? 
The  whole,  all  that  is  in  the  hands  of  the  Trustees,  if  it  was  all 
put  into  your  hands,  would  be  but  a  drop  of  the  bucket ;  it 
would  not  be  sufficient  to  support  one  Professorship.  Would 
it  not  be  better  instead  of  spending  your  time  and  energy  in 
prosecuting  this  dispute,  to  form  some  enlarged  plans  for 
creating  and  enlarging  a  substantial  fund  ?  The  only  founda- 
tion upon  which  a  public  institution  can  safely  rest,  is  a  fixed 
fund  where  interest  will  be  equal  to  its  support.  To  depend 
upon  Cent  societies  and  occasional  contributions  is  futile  and 
uncertain." 

He  then  declared  his  belief  that  $25,000  could  be  raised 
easily  in  New  Jersey,  New  York  City  and  Long  Island,  and 
that  the  attempt  should  be  made  without  delay.  The  re- 
sult was,  that  the  Synod  of  1822,  after  the  representation  had 
been  made  that  100  subscribers,  of  250  dollars  each  might  be 
obtained,  appointed  a  committee  to  undertake  the  work  of  se- 
curing them.  At  the  head  of  this  committee  was  Abraham 
Van   Nest,   whose    zeal    for  our   institutions,  tact  and   perse- 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  103 

verance  were  well  known.  Associated  with  him  were  the  same 
gentlemen  who  were  afterwards  with  him  on  the  committee  to 
raise  money  for  the  purchase  of  the  College  property,  Messrs. 
Isaac  Heyer  and  Jacob  R.  Hardcnbergh. 

One  year  after  their  appointment,  they  reported  that  the 
sum  of  $26,675  had  been  subscribed.  Prof.  Livingston  headed 
the  list  with  a  subscription  of  SSOO-  ^rid  Prof.  Ludlow  fol- 
lowed with  one  of  $250.  Several  others  subscribed  $500  each. 
The  Consistory  of  the  Collegiate  Church  of  New  York, subscribed 
$5,000.  But  the  subscriptions  were  chiefly  for  $250,  and 
among  those  who  made  them  were  a  number  of  the  ministers. 

On  the  27th  of  August,  1822,  just  as  the  above  committee 
was  beginning  its  work.  Prof.  Ludlow  accepted  an  invitation  to 
become  pastor  of  the  P'irst  Dutch  Church  in  Albany,  stating 
that  he  resigned  his  Professorship  with  reluctance,  but  that  the 
increasing  embarrassment  of  the  funds,  and  the  failure  of  sup- 
port without  the  prospect  of  permanent  relief,  had  made  this 
step  unavoidable.  At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Synod,  called 
to  consider  this  resignation,  the  Church  pressed  its  case.  But 
the  Synod  being  very  anxious  to  retain  the  Professor's  services 
in  the  Seminary,  and  believing  that  the  ground  for  his  resigna- 
tion was  about  to  be  removed,  (for  the  committee  reported 
that  $22,200  had  already  been  subscribed,  and  the  remainder 
would  be  soon,)  declined  to  accept  his  resignation,  and  declared 
it  to  be  their  judgment  that  it  was  his  duty  to  remain  in  his 
present  situation.  Deeming  the  judgment  of  the  Synod 
authoritative,  he  withdrew  his  resignation.  But  the  Consistory 
of  the  Church  at  Albany  did  not  so  interpret  the  action  of  the 
Synod.  The  Professor  then  requested  an  unequivocal  expres- 
sion of  the  opinion  of  the  Synod  at  its  next  session,  June  18,- 
1833,  as  to  whether  the  design  was  to  speak  authoritatively,. 
and  take  upon  itself  the  responsibility  of  defeating  his  engage- 
ment with  the  Church  of  Albany.  Of  course,  the  Synod 
could  not  assume  this  responsibility,  and  his  resignation  was 
accepted. 

At  the  same  session,  June,  1823,  the  Rev.  John  De  Witt,  pas- 
tor of  the  Second  Church,  of  Albany,  was  chosen  Professor  of 
Biblical  Literature  and  Ecclesiastical  History. 

The  great  success  of  the  effort    for  the  endowment   of  the 


104  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

second  Professorship,  stimulated  the  Synod  to  make  an  effort 
at  once  in  the  Churches  of  the  Particular  Synod  of  Albany, 
(none  of  which  had  been  visited),  for  the  raising  of  $25,000  for 
the  endowment  of  a  third  Professorship.  The  committee  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose  consisted  of  Rev.  Dr  John  Ludlow  and 
the  Elders  Christian  Miller,  of  Albany,  and  Abraham  Van 
Dyck,  of  Coxsackie.  It  is  enough  to  say,  that  their  wise  and 
energetic  efforts  were  crowned  with  speedy  and  complete  suc- 
cess, by  a  subscription  amounting  to  $26,715. 

"  Never,  as  another  has  well  said,  let  our  Church  forget  the 
great  services  and  the  personal  liberality  of  Drs.  John  Knox  and 
John  Ludlow,  and  John  N.  Abeel,  and  Jacob  Schoonmaker, 
and  of  the  eminent  Elders,  Abraham  Van  Nest,  and  Jacob  R. 
Hardenbergh,  and  Isaac  Heyer,  and  Christian  Miller,  and 
Abraham  Van  Dyck,  with  their  associates,  who  went  from 
church  to  church,  and  from  door  to  door,  and  secured  the  funds 
to  endow  the  second  and  third  Professorships.  The  ministers, 
too,  out  of  their  small  incomes  (many  of  which  were  not  over 
four  or  five  hundred  dollars  a  year)  paid  about  ten  thousand 
dollars  for  founding  these  professorial  chairs.  Farmers  and 
merchants,  '  honorable  women  not  a  few,'  and  whole  congrega- 
tions gave  liberally."^ 

Prof.  Livingston  lived  to  see  the  effort  to  raise  these  en- 
dowments  in  which  he  was  so  deeply  interested,  virtually 
crowned  with  complete  success.  With  what  joy  must  the  con- 
stant reports  of  progress  have  filled  his  soul,  and  when  the  end 
was  made  sure,  we  can  imagine  him  looking  upon  the  toils  and 
disappointments  of  a  life-time,  as  a  faithful  Father's  discipline, 
and  prompting  the  prayer  "  Lord  now  lettest  thou,  etc." 

And  in  truth,  his  time  had  come.  He  was  to  depart  very 
soon,  and  in  peace.  It  would  be  unpardonable  to  fail  to  remind 
you,  that  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  owes  an  inestimable 
debt  of  gratitude  to  this  man  of  God,  who  from  the  time  that 
he  entered  the  ministry,  was  for  a  half  century  the  guiding 
and  directing  mind  of  the  Church  in  every  important  work. 
He  was  not  only  the  father  ot  our  system  of  theological  educa- 
tion, and  the  first  Professor,  but  he  was  the  eloquent  advocate 
of  missions,  he  shaped  our  constitutional  law,  adapted    the 

*  Rev.  Dr.  W.  J.  R.  Taylor's  Centennial  Sermon. 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  105 

psalmody  for  Church  worship,  and  put  the  impress  of  his  mind 
not  only  on  the  ministry,  but  the  whole  Church. 

John  Henry  Livingston  was  a  lineal  descendant  of  the  cele- 
brated Rev.  John  Livingston,  who  preached  with  remarkable 
power  in  Scotland,  in  the  first  part  of  the  17th  century.  Ban- 
ished for  non-conformity,  he  found  an  asylum  in  Holland,  in 
1663.  His  son,  Robert,  obtained  a  grant  of  the  Manor  of  Liv- 
ingston, in  Columbia  County,  New  York,  in  1686,  and  removed 
to  this  country.  He  had  three  sons,  Philip,  who  was  the 
father  of  Philip,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  In- 
dependence, and  also  of  William,  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 
Robert,  his  second  son,  was  the  head  of  the  Clermont  branch 
of  the  family,  and  Gilbert,  the  third  son,  was  the  grandfather 
of  our  Professor. 

John  Henry,  the  son  of  Henry  Livingston  and  Sarah  Conklin, 
was  born  at  the  paternal  mansion  on  the  Hudson,  near  Pough- 
keepsie,  on  the  30th  day  of  May,  1746.  He  was  graduated 
from  Yale  College,  under  the  Presidency  of  Rev.  Thomas 
Clapp,  in  1762.  He  applied  himself  very  closely  to  the  study 
of  law  for  two  years,  in  the  office  of  Bartholomew  Cranncl,  of 
Poughkeepsie,  "  stimulated,  he  says,  by  an  inordinate  ambition 
of  the  honors  of  this  world."  His  health  became  seriously  im- 
paired, s}'mptoms  of  pulmonary  disease  having  appeared,  and 
he  became  greatly  concerned  about  his  spiritual  condition.  A 
thorough  work  of  grace  was  wrought  in  him,  the  results  of 
which  are  described  in  a  very  instructive  and  impressive  man- 
ner by  his  biographer. 

The  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter  was  a  full  consecration 
of  himself  to  the  service  of  the  Redeemer,  embracing  a  change 
in  his  plans  for  life,  and  a  dedication  of  himself  to  the  work  of 
the  sacred  ministry.  But  the  state  of  the  Dutch  Church  was 
such  at  the  time,  as  to  afford  little  encouragement  for  a  young 
man  to  enter  the  ranks  of  her  ministry.  He  considered  the 
claims  of  three  churches,  the  Episcopal,  Presbyterian  and 
Dutch,  and  decided  in  favor  of  the  last,  not  only  because  his 
parents  were  connected  with  it,  and  he  had  been  baptized  in 
it,  and  he  could  cordially  consent  to  its  doctrines,  and  accept 
its  government  and  worship,  but  as  he  himself  says  :  "  For  the 
restoration  of  peace  and  prosperity  in   this  distinguished  por- 


106  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

tion  of  the  Lord's  vineyard  I  felt  an  ardent  desire,  afid  it  was 
powerfully  impressed  upon  my  mind  that  God  would  render 
me,  however  unworthy  and  unfit  for  that  arduous  work,  an  in- 
strument in  His  hand,  to  compromise  and  heal  these  dissen- 
sions, and  raise  the  reputation  and  establish  the  dignity  and 
usefulness  of  the  Dutch  Church  in  America.  In  what  way 
these  great  objects  were  to  be  effected,  or  how  the  Lord  would 
prepare  and  afterwards  employ  me  for  that  purpose,  I  did  not 
know,  nor  did  this  excite  any  diffidence  or  uneasiness.  The 
point  was  settled  in  my  mind,  and  I  was  fully  persuaded  it 
would  be  accomplished.  This  removed  all  further  hesitation,, 
and  fixed  my  determination  to  abide  in  my  own  Church.  The 
posterior  dealings  of  Divine  Providence,  and  the  gracious  ful- 
filment of  my  expectations,  have  afforded  me  abundant  evi- 
dence that  my  choice  has  been  crowned  with  the  Divine  appro- 
bation."* 

For  carrying  out  his  purpose  he  determined  to  pursue  his 
theological  studies  in  Holland,  and  he  sailed  for  that  country 
May  12,  1766.  After  his  arrival  he  connected  himself  with  the 
University  of  Utrecht,  where  he  not  only  improved  his  time  by 
attention  to  study  under  Professors  Bonnet,  Elsnerus  and 
others,  but  also  improved  opportunities  for  the  cultivation  of  the 
graces  of  the  Spirit,  by  conversation  with  many  pious  persons 
with  whose  society  he  was  favored. 

Until  this  time,  the  Church  of  New  York  had  only  one  pas- 
tor who  officiated  in  the  English  language.  Rev.  Dr.  Laidlie. 
The  time  had  now  come  for  the  agitation  of  the  question  of 
calling  another.  It  was  decided  to  do  so,  and  also  that  Mr.  L. 
should  be  called.  Having  finished  his  studies,  he  received  his 
license  from  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  June  5,  1769,  and 
by  that  Body  his  call  was  approved,  and  he  was  ordained  to 
the  ministry  and  assigned  to  the  Church  of  New  York,  April 
2,  1770.  He  then  resolved  to  present  himself  to  the  Uni- 
versity as  a  candidate  for  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Theology,  for 
which  he  presented  a  dissertation  "  DeFoedere  Sinnitico,"  which 
was  so  well  written,  and  so  ably  defended  by  him  that  the  de- 
gree was  conferred. 

The  place  that  Providence  assigned   him   in  bringing  about 

*  Gunn's  Life  of  Livingston,  Ed.  1829,  p.  115. 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  107 

the  reconciliation  of  the  Coetusand  Conferentie  parties,  and  in 
securing  Ecclesiastical  independence  and  order  for  the  churches 
by  means  of  the  Plan  of  Union  ;  his  election  to  the  Pro- 
fessorship, and  his  forty  years  of  service  in  it  have  been  duly 
considered.  We  have  followed  him,  step  by  step,  through  his 
long  life  until  he  had  almost  reached  fourscore  years.  And 
now  wc  have  come  to  the  end,  and  we  see  the  pilgrim  laying 
down  his  staff  and  sandals  to  receive  his  crown. 

Mis  death  took  place  Jan  20,  1825.  On  the  day  before,  he 
was  in  usual  good  health,  and  delivered  a  lecture  to  his  students 
on  the  subject  of  Divine  Providence.  Remarking  on  the  Sa- 
vior's exclamation  on  the  Cross,  ''  It  is  finished,"  he  said  "  His 
work  was  done,  and  then  His  Father  took  Him  home.  And 
just  so  He  will  do  with  me.  When  my  work  is  done  my 
Father  will  take  me  home."  As  he  did  not  make  his  appear- 
ance at  the  usual  time  the  next  morning,  and  his  little  grandson 
called  him,  but  received  no  answer.  The  spirit  had  fled,  and 
the  position  of  the  body  showed  that  there  had  been  no 
struggle.  The  end  was  literally,  perfect  peace.  His  work  was 
done,  and  his  Lord  had  taken  him  home.  "  In  the  manner  of 
his  removal,"  says  Dr.  Gunn  (Life,  p.  472),  "  a  persuasion 
which  he  had  often  expressed,  that  he  should  so  depart,  was 
singularly  verified.  Till  toward  the  close  of  his  life,  he  had 
suffered  much  from  a  dread  of  the  agonies  of  death ;  he  was 
often  troubled  at  the  thought  of  the  pain  he  would  have  to 
endure  when  his  soul  should  be  breaking  loose  from  her  earth- 
ly tabernacle,  and  frequently  prayed  that  he  might  be  delivered 
from  the  distressing  apprehension.  He  was  at  length  delivered 
from  it,  and  what  was  very  remarkable,  said  afterwards,  more 
than  once,  as  we  have  been  credibly  informed,  that  when  the 
hour  for  his  departure  should  arrive,  he  believed  he  would  go 
off   in    a  sudden  and  easy  manner." 

A  few  ancient  men  and  women  are  still  lingering  among  us, 
who  have  a  distinct  recollection  of  Dr.  Livingston  as  he  walked 
the  streets,  and  appeared  in  the  pulpit,  and  they  take  delight 
in  recalling  the  impressions  he  made  on  their  youthful  minds. 
His  pupils,  who  never  wearied  of  talking  of  him  as  they  had 
known  him  in  the  lecture  room,  and  in  his  home,  as  well  as  in 
the  pulpit,  have  one  after  another  followed  him  to  the   better 


108  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

land,  until  only  three,  all  belonging  to  the  class  of  1824,  re- 
main. Rev.  Dr.  Gustavus  Abeel,  and  Revs.  Jonathan  F. 
Morris  and  Jefferson  Wynkoop.  Several  of  his  pupils  have 
left  on  record  their  estimates  of  him  as  a  christian,  a  preacher, 
and  a  professor. 

In  a  portly  octavo  volume  the  Memoirs  of  Dr.  Livingston 
were  published  in  the  year  1829,  They  were  prepared  by  Rev. 
Dr.  Alex.  Gunn  by  request  of  the  General  Synod,  and  arrange- 
ments for  the  publication  were  made  by  a  committee  of  the 
Synod  in  connection  with  Dr.  Gunn.  The  work  is  valuable, 
not  only  as  a  Biography  of  the  distinguished  Professor,  but  as 
containing  the  History  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  this 
■country.  An  abridgment  of  this  work  was  prepared  by  Rev. 
Dr.  T.  W.  Chambers,  and  published  in  1856,  by  the  Board  of 
Publication.  The  MS.  Lectures  of  the  Professor,  were  in 
answer  to  a  request  of  the  Synod,  presented  to  that  Body  by 
his  son,  the  late  Col.  Henry  A.  Livingston.  It  was  hoped  that 
they  might  be  printed  and  published  to  the  world.  But  the 
Committee  who  had  the  matter  in  charge,  reported  that  the 
lectures  were  for  the  most  part,  mere  analyses  which  the  Pro- 
fessor filled  up  when  imparting  instruction  to  his  pupils.  The 
Synod,  feeling  that  the  publication  of  them  in  such  a  state 
would  not  consist  with  his  known  and  universally  acknow- 
ledged reputation  as  a  Professor  of  Didactic  Theology,  directed 
that  the  manuscript  should  be  bound  up,  deposited,  and  care- 
fully preserved  in  the  Library. 

This  volume  may  well  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  choicest 
treasures  in  the  Gardner  A.  Sage  Library.  The  Lectures  are 
written  in  the  fair,  legible  hand  for  which  the  Professor  was 
noted.  It  was  his  custom,  whenever  the  whole  course  had 
been  delivered,  to  make  a  note  of  the  fact.  The  last  of  these 
entries  is  as  follows  : 

"  1824,  April  23d,  finished  my  course  of  lectures.  Another 
year  it  has  pleased  my  Lord  to  spare,  sustain  and  assist  His 
aged  servant.  I  have  not  failed  in  any  one  lecture.  With  in- 
creased vigor  and  cheerfulness  I  have  been  enabled  to  proceed, 
and  the  dear  students  have  attended  with  faithfulness  and  in- 
•creased  zeal.  There  is  a  revival  of  religion  among  them,  and 
they  will  become,  it  is  hoped,  a  treasure    to  the    Church.     I 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  10^ 

bless  the  Lord  for  His  mercies,  and  I  bear  testimony  that  He  is 
faithful  to  His  word.  My  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God,  and 
there  I  am  sure  it  is  safe."  We  linger  affectionately  and  rev- 
erently around  the  memory  of  the  Professor,  the  hundredth 
anniversary  of  whose  election  we  celebrate.  What  a  wonder- 
ful life  !  On  the  day  that  he  landed  in  New  York,  a  youth 
fresh  from  the  University  of  Utrecht,  he  took  the  first  place 
among  the  ministers  of  the  Dutch  Church,  and  held  it  for 
more  than  a  half  century.  He  did  more  than  any  other  man 
to  give  practical  force  to  the  ideas  of  the  fathers  on  ministerial 
education,  and  was  leader  in  every  movement  to  secure  the 
greater  efficiency  of  the  Church.  He  taught  Theology  without 
salary  twenty-five  years,  during  which  time  he  gave  professorial 
certificates  to  about  ninety  students,  and  at  New  Brunswick 
he  taught  fifteen  years,  receiving  a  very  inadequate  pecuniary 
support.  Why  has  not  the  Church  placed  his  name  on  some 
monument  beside  the  marble  that  covers  his  grave — some  build- 
ing or  some  endowment — nay,  on  the  School  itself,  which  was 
so  well  served  and  carefully  nurtured  by  him  ?  To  be  sure,  we 
may,  pointing  not  only  to  the  School,  but  to  the  Church,  say: 
"  Si  mominientum  qiiceris  circumspice  ";  and  yet,  what  would  be 
more  worthy  of  the  Church,  than,  on  this  Centennial  Anniver- 
sary, fully  to  endow  one  of  the  chairs  in  the  School,  and  attach 
to  it  the  revered  name  of  John  H.  Livingston? 


110  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


CHAPTER     V. 

FROM  THE  DEATH  OF  PROF.  LIVINGSTON  TO  THE   ESTAB- 
LISHMENT OF  THE  FOURTH  PROFESSOR- 
SHIP.    1825-1865. 

Dr.  De  Witt  Sole  Professor — Drs.  Milledoler  and  Woodhull 
Elected — Revival  of  the  College — Death  of  Prof.  Woodhull 
—Dr.  Cannon  Elected— Aid  from  Collegiate  Church— Death 
of  Prof.  De  Witt— Dr.  McClelland  Elected — Services  of 
Theological  Professors  to  the  College — Interest  in  Missions 
— Prof.  McClelland's  Sermon — Endowment  Increased — Revi- 
val OF  1836-7 — Modification  of  the  Covenant  with  the  Trus. 
tees — Hon.  A.  B.  Hasbrouck  Elected  President — Resignation 
OF  Prof.  Milledoler — Election  of  Dr.  Van  Vranken — Resig- 
nation of  Prof.  McClelland — Election  of  Dr.  Campbell — 
Resignation  and  Death  of  Prof.  Cannon — Election  of  Dr. 
Ludlow — Erection  of  Peter  Hertzog  Hall —Death  of  Prof. 
Ludlow — Election  of  Dr.  Woodbridge— Death  of  Prof.  Van 
Vranken — Election  of  Dr.  Berg — Resignation  of  Prof.  Camp- 
bell—College Property  Transferred  to  the  Trustees. 

By  the  death  of  Prof.  Livingston,  Prof.  De  Witt  became  the 
sole  Professor  until  the  close  of  the  Seminary  year.  He  not 
only  cared  for  his  own  department,  but  for  that  of  his  deceased 
colleague,  and  did  all  in  his  power  to  complete  the  instruction 
in  Systematic  Theology  for  the  year. 

The  Board  of  Superintendents  said,  "  The  Board  would 
particularly  notice  the  highly  laudable  part  which  Dr.  De  Witt 
has  acted.  Though  severely  afflicted  in  his  own  family,  af- 
fected by  personal  debility  and  the  death  of  his  co-adjutor, 
prompted  by  an  ardent  desire  to  have  the  studies  of  the  School 
kept  up  as  fully  as  possible,  he  has,  in  addition  to  the  duties 
of  his  own  ofifice,  regularly  instructed  and  examined  the  stu- 
dents in  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology." 

In  the  Autumn,  the  Seminary  year  opened  with  two  Pro- 
fessors, and  in  a  few  weeks  a  third  was  added,  and  funds  were 
assured  for  their  support.  What  a  fitting  thing,  we  in  our 
shortsightedness  are  ready  to  say,  it  would  have  been  for  Dr. 
Livingston  to  have  seen  the  answer  to  his  prayers,  in  this 
consummation  of  his  life's  labors.  But  was  it  not  as  well  for 
him  to  look  down  from  the  heavenly  heights  on  the  completed 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  Ill 

work?  He  had  wandered  with  his  school  in  the  wilderness  of 
uncertainty  40  years,  and  now  from  Nebohad  seen  the  Canaan 
of  assured  establishment.  What  better  thing  could  his  Lord 
do  for  him  at  the  time,  than  take  him  to  the  rest  that  remain- 
eth  for  the  people  of  God  ? 

Rev.  Philip  Milledolcr,  D.D.,  one  of  the  pastors  of  the 
Collegiate  Church  of  New  York,  was  February,  17th,  1825, 
chosen  to  succeed  Dr.  Livingston  as  Professor  of  Didactic  and 
Polemic  Theology,  and  he  also  became  President  of  Rutgers 
College.  His  inauguration  as  Professor  took  place  May  25th, 
1825.  On  this  occasion,  the  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Dr. 
Selah  S.  Woodhull,  and  the  charge  to  the  Professor  was  de- 
livered by  Rev.  Dr.  Cornelius  C.  Cuyler. 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Synod  held  from  the  14th  to  the 
1 6th  days  of  September  inclusive,  Rev.  Dr.  John  Ludlow  was 
appointed  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History,  Church  Govern- 
ment and  Pastoral  Theology.  But  he  having  declined,  another 
election  was  held  and  Rev.  Dr.  Selah  S.  Woodhull  was  chosen. 
He  was  inaugurated  on  the  second  Wednesday  of  November, 
1825,  when  the  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Dr.  J.  Ludlow, 
and  the  charge  to  the  Professor  was  delivered  by  Rev.  Dr.  James 
S.  Cannon. 

In  connection  with  these  successful  measures  in  behalf  of  the 
Theological  Institution,  the  idea  of  reviving  the  College  took 
possession  of  the  mind  of  the  Church,  and  was  soon  put  into 
practical  shape  and  carried  into  effect.  Some  have  said  that 
it  originated  with  Prof.  De  Witt,  he  thinking  rightly,  that  thus 
an  important  feeder  for  the  Theological  School  would  be  pro- 
vided, others  that  it  originated  with  Messrs.  Van  Nest  and 
Hardenbergh,  in  whom,  while  obtaining  subscriptions  for  the 
Theological  Endowment,  the  hope  sprang  up,  that  the  way 
would  by  this  means  be  opened  for  the  revival  of  the  Literary 
Institution,  of  which  they  were  Trustees.  But  was  it  not  an 
idea  that  could  hardly  fail  to  occur  to  many  at  the  same  time, 
or  to  enter  the  mind  of  every  thinking  friend  of  both  In- 
stitutions, and  of  every  loyal  member  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church,  so  manifest  was  the  mutual  dependence  of  the  two  In- 
stitutions, and  so  intimate  had  been  their  relations  in  the  past. 
It  was  a  time  of  remarkably  good  feeling.     The  questions  that 


112  .  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

had  in  a  measure  disturbed  the  relations  of  the  General  Synod 
and  the  Trustees  had  been  amicably  settled. 

The  Trustees  of  the  College  had  already,  on  the  24th  of 
May  appointed  a  Committee  to  devise  some  plan  for  the  re- 
vival of  the  College,  and  which  was  to  be  submitted  to  the 
General  Synod  for  their  approbation.  The  Board  of  Direction 
of  the  General  Synod,  in  their  report  to  that  Body  a  few  days 
later,  stated  that  "  in  their  view  it  will  be  of  essential  advan- 
tage to  the  interests  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  and  its- 
Theological  Seminary,  should  the  Trustees  of  Queen's  College 
succeed  in  reviving  the  same  as  a  Literary  Institution."  Both 
parties  were  ready  for  cooperation.  The  immediate  results 
were,  increased  vigor  in  the  work  of  completing  the  endowment, 
of  the  third  Professorship  ;  the  securing  of  a  pledge,  by  a  Com- 
mittee of  the  Trustees,  from  the  Collegiate  Church  of  New 
York  to  contribute  $1,700  per  year  for  three  years,  provided 
that  the  whole  amount  should  be  subscribed,  (said  annual  pay- 
ments being  to  meet  expenditures  until  the  subscriptions 
could  be  collected,  and  made  fully  available  for  income) ; 
and  also  that  an  agreement  or  covenant  should  be  made  between 
the  Synod  and  Trustees,  for  securing  the  end  desired  by  both 
parties  ;  and  that  the  money  should  be  payable  only  when  the 
"  whole  establishment,  literary  and  theological,  shall  be  in  full 
operation." 

Such  agreement  was  adopted  by  the  Synod  at  the  adjourned 
session  held  at  New  Brunswick,  September,  1825. 

It  was  agreed  that  the  literary  exercises  should  be  revived 
as  soon  as  practicable,  and  that  the  Trustees  should  have  free 
use  of  so  much  of  the  College  building  as  might  be  necessary 
for  their  purposes  ;  that  the  Theological  Professors  should 
teach  in  the  College  as  the  Synod  should  deem  best  calculated 
to  promote  the  mutual  interest  of  both  institutions  ;  that  the 
Trustees  should  immediately  appoint  two  Professors,  one  of 
Languages,  and  one  of  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy, 
and  afterwards,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Synod^ 
such  other  Professors  as  were  needed,  and  the  funds  of  the  Col- 
lege would  warrant;  that  one  of  the  Professors  of  Theology 
should  be  President  of  the  College ;  that  the  Treasurer  of  the 
General  Synod  should  also  be  Treasurer  of   the  College  ;  that 


^///^  ^^M 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  113 

the  name  of  the  College  should  be  changed  to  Rutgers,  in 
honor  of  one  of  its  distinguished  benefactors,  Col.  Henry  Rut- 
gers, of  New  York  city  ;  which  change  was  made  by  an  amend- 
ment of  the  charter  authorized  by  the  Legislature  of  New 
Jersey.  The  plan  of  studies  of  the  Theological  School  also 
was  revised  and  somewhat  modified  by  the  same  Synod.  It 
was  ordered  that  a  general  review  of  studies  should  be  made 
at  the  end  of  each  year;  that  there  should  be  anniversary  ex- 
ercises in  which  each  member  of  the  Senior  Class  should  take 
a  part  under  the  direction  of  the  Professors,  and  that  ''  Marckii 
Medulla  Christiana,'  Theologian  "  should  be  adopted  as  a  text- 
book in  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology. 

Scarcely  had  these  arrangements  been  made,  when  both  In- 
stitutions and  the  whole  Church  were  called  to  mourn  the  loss 
of  Professor  Woodhull.  On  the  27th  of  February,  1826,  he  de- 
parted this  life,  only  three  months  after  his  induction  into 
office,  and  so  the  Church's  hopes  of  long  and  efficient  service 
at  his  hands  were  sadly  disappointed. 

At  an  extra  session  of  the  General  Synod  held  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  March  29th,  1826,  Rev  Dr.  James  S.  Cannon,  pas- 
tor of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  Six  Mile  Run,  N.  J.,  was 
elected  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History,  Church  Government 
and  Pastoral  Theology,  in  the  place  of  Professor  Woodhull.  He 
was  inaugurated  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  May,  1826.  On 
this  occasion.  Rev.  William  McMurray,  D.  D.,  preached  the 
sermon,  and  the  charge  to  the  Professor  was  delivered  by  Rev. 
James  M.  Mathews,  D.D. 

The  work  of  the  Seminary  continued  to  go  on  successfully, 
with  a  goodly  number  of  students  in  attendance.  But  embar- 
rassment from  inadequacy  of  funds  was  experienced,  for  there 
was  some  loss  on  subscriptions,  and  the  time  for  which  the 
Collegiate  Church  had  promised  its  generous,  annual  contribu- 
tion of  $1,700,  after  being  extended  one  year,  had  now  expired. 
Special  agencies  and  collections  had  to  be  resorted  to,  in  order 
to  tide  over  the  difficulty,  until  a  favorable  time  for  a  new 
effort  for  the  increase  of  the  Permanent  P'und  should  come. 

A  plan  was  proposed,  June,  1826,  to  the  Synod,  and  quite 
enthusiastically  adopted,  of  sending  a  delegation  to  the  Nether- 
lands to  seek  pecuniary  aid  through  the  awakening  of  fond 
8 


114  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

memories  of  ancient  relationship  to  the  Mother  Church.  Rev. 
James  V.  C.  Romeyn  and  Rev.  Dr.  John  Ludlow  were  ap- 
pointed, and  a  letter  was  addressed  by  the  Board  of  Direction 
to  the  Minister  Plenipotentiar}-  of  His  Majesty  the  King  of  the 
Netherlands,  who,  in  a  complimentary  and  favorable  answer, 
■promised  facilities  of  introduction,  advice  and  correspondence. 
Messrs.  Romeyn  and  Ludlow  having  declined  this  mission,  Revs. 
Peter  Labagh  and  John  Ludlow  were  appointed  primarii,  and 
Rev.  Thomas  De  Witt  and  John  F.  Schermerhorn  secundi. 
But  on  account  of  some  difficulties  in  the  way,  the  nature  of 
which  is  not  stated,  the  project  was  abandoned. 

In  the  year  1831,  Oct.  nth,  Professor  De  Witt  was  removed 
by  death.  His  loss  was  deeply  felt  and  great  lamentation  was 
made  over  him.  He  was  a  most  useful  man  to  the  Institutions, 
able  and  ready  to  give  help  wherever  needed  in  any  depart- 
ment. He  had  served  in  his  Professorship  only  eight  years, 
and  was  in  the  prime  of  life,  being  only  forty-two  years  of  age 
at  the  time  of  his  death.  Rev.  Dr.  John  Ludlow  was  elected 
-successor  to  Dr.  De  Witt,  Nov.  9,  1831,  but  he  declined.  There- 
upon Rev.  Alexander  McClelland,  who  was  at  the  time  Pro- 
fessor of  Languages  in  the  College,  was  temporarily  employed 
bv  the  Board  of  Superintendents  to  teach  the  elements  of  the 
Hebrew  language  to  the  Junior  Class.  He  performed  this 
^vork  so  satisfactorily,  that  he  was  by  the  next  Synod,  held  in 
June  1832,  elected  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature.  He  was 
inaugurated  July  19,  1832,  Rev.  Thomas  De  Witt,  D.D.,  preach- 
ing the  sermon,  and  Rev.  Samuel  Van  Vranken,  D.D.,  deliver- 
ing the  charge  to  the  Professor. 

The  question  of  the  abrogation  of  the  arrangement  whereby 
the  Professors  of  Theolog}-  were  obligated  to  teach  in  the 
College  was  agitated  in  1832,  and  considered  by  the  Superin- 
tendents, the  Trustees,  and  the  Synod.  All  were  agreed  that 
this  arrangement  must  be  regarded  as  temporar}-,  and  prepara- 
tory to  something  better.  The  Trustees  were  working  for  the 
realization  of  the  idea  of  independency.  They  were  adding 
to  the  number  of  their  Professors  ;  were  gradually  withdrawing 
-work  from  the  Professors  of  Theology- ;  they  appointed  a  Vice- 
President,  who  should  relieve  the  President  (who  was  a  Pro- 
fessor  of  Theolog}')   from    some   duties  connected  with    the 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  115 

government  of  the  College,  and  they  were  hoping  for  the  time 
when  their  endowments  should  be  such,  that  the  Professors 
of  Theolog}'  might  be  entirely  relieved  from  service  in  the 
College.  The  Professors  declared  that  they  did  not  feel  the 
work  to  be  burdensome,  and  that  they  were  willing  to  continue 
it,  if  necessary,  though  they  were  impressed  with  the  fact  that 
if  relieved,  they  would  be  able  to  pursue  some  lines  of  study 
for  the  benefit  of  the  Theological  students,  which  they  now 
could  not.  The  conclusion  was,  that  the  present  plan  was  to 
be  continued  in  the  "  full  hope  of  realizing  the  best  expecta- 
tions of  the  Church." 

But  the  question  soon  came  up  again,  and  various  confer- 
ences were  held  to  consider  it.  All  agreed  on  the  desirableness 
of  at  least  relieving  the  Professor  of  Didactic  Theology  from 
the  cares  of  the  Presidency  of  the  College.  But  the  time  for 
this  had  not  yet  come  ;  and  the  Synod  of  June,  1837,  adopted 
the  following  resolutions  : 

1.  ''  Resolved,  T\idL.t  the  existing  arrangement  between  the 
General  Synod  and  the  Trustees  of  Rutgers  College  ought  to 
be,  and  hereby  is,  left  unaltered  and  unmodified  for  the  pres- 
ent. 

2.  "  Resolved,  That  the  Synod,  expressing  their  confidence  in 
the  zeal,  ability,  and  untiring  diligence  of  the  Faculties  of  their 
Literarj'  and  Theological  Institutions,  do  earnestly  recommend 
these  Institutions,  founded  in  many  prayers,  and  toils,  and 
sacrifices,  to  the  undivided  and  affectionate  patronage  of  all 
our  ministers  and  of  all  our  churches." 

y/'  In  the  year  i8i3,  the  subject  of  Foreign  Missions  became 
one  of  great  interest  among  the  Theological  students.  Dr. 
Livingston  had  in  the  year  1799,  preached  a  sermon  before  the 
New  York  Missionary  Society,  and  the  trumpet,  when  he  blew 
it.  gave  no  uncertain  sound.  The  influence  of  that  sermon 
extended  far  beyond  the  audience  that  heard  it  delivered.  It 
could  not  be  otherwise,  than  that  the  influence  of  an  appeal, 
made  by  such  a  man,  in  the  infancy  of  the  Missionar>'  cause 
in  this  country,  should  be  felt  far  and  wide.  It  had  its  share 
in  arousing  the  attention  of  the  churches  of  all  denominations 
to  the  claims  of  this,  the  cause  of  our  risen  Lord. 

His  students  at  New  Brunswick  at  once,  in  iSii,  formed  the 


116  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Berean  Society,  for  the  discussion  of  Biblical  and  practical 
subjects,  among  which,  that  of  Missions  had  a  prominent  place. 
In  the  year  1820,  the  name  and  constitution  of  this  society 
were  changed,  and  it  became  the  Society  of  Inquiry  on  Mis- 
sions, "  to  obtain  and  circulate  religious  intelligence,  to  corres- 
pond with  similar  societies  in  other  Seminaries,  and  with  Mis- 
sionaries, domestic  and  foreign,  and  to  diffuse  among  ourselves 
a  zeal  for  the  Missionary  cause."  From  that  day  to  this,  the 
Society  has  been  doing  its  work,  and  has  been  a  blessing  to  the 
Seminary  and  the  whole  Church.  Its  records  show  that  every 
phase  of  the  Missionary  work  has  been  looked  at  again  and 
again,  and  from  every  point  of  view.  Some  of  the  best  Mis- 
sionaries who  have  lived  and  died  in  heathen  lands  have  gone 
from  it ;  and  a  pastor  who  has  once  been  a  member  of  this 
Seminary  and  Society  can  hardly  be  conceived  of,  as  indiffer- 
ent to  the  daims  of  Foreign  Missions. 

In  the  year  1819,  Dr.  John  Scudder,  a  member  of  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church,  in  Franklin  street,  New  York,  and 
father  of  the  Missionary  family  of  that  name,  had  gone  to 
India  as  a  physician,  under  care  of  the  A.  B.  C.  F.  M., 
and  he  had  afterwards  been  ordained  as  a  preacher.  He  ad- 
dressed a  most  earnest,  pleading  letter  to  the  students  of  the 
Seminary,  in  which  he  not  only  urged  that  the  heathen  world 
had  need  of  missionaries,  but  that  if  the  Church  at  home 
would  save  herself,  she  must  heartily  engage  in  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, and  he  added,  "  if  our  Church  is  to  take  hold  of  this 
business  with  the  earnestness  it  deserves,  you  are  the  very 
persons  who  must  take  the  lead." 

Rev.  David  Abe  el,  a  graduate  from  the  Seminary,  resigned 
his  pastoral  charge  at  Athens,  N.  Y.,  and  went  to  China  under 
the  auspices  of  the  Seamen's  Friend  Society,  in  1829,  and  he 
also  visited  Siam  and  Java  under  direction  of  the  A.  B.  C.  F. 
M.  Compelled  more  than  once  by  shattered  health  to  revisit 
his  native  land,  he  devoted  himself  to  pleading  the  cause  of 
Foreign  Missions,  with  the  students  of  various  Theological 
Seminaries.  He  often  came  to  New  Brunswick,  his  native 
city,  and  the  home  of  his  parents.  He  was  there  during  the 
latter  part  of  the  great  revival  of  1836-7  and  the  students  of 
that  time,  both  of  the  College  and   the  Seminary,  will   never 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  117 

forget  his  interviews  with  them.  His  appeals  and  example 
produced  a  wonderful  impression.  Many  were  led  seriously 
to  consider  their  personal  duty  in  the  matter,  and  in  the 
autumn  of  1836,  the  first  missionary  band  from  the  Seminary, 
■composed  of  Messrs.  Nevius,  Doty,  Youngblood  and  Ennis, 
sailed  for  Netherlands  India. 

These  have  been  followed  by  others,  until  the  number  of 
forty  has  been  reached,  of  whom  some  have  finished  their 
course,  some  have  been  obliged  to  leave  their  posts,  and  some 
are  now  working  in  China,  India,  Japan,  and  South  Africa. 
The  last  name  on  the  list  thus  far  is  that  of  the  young  brother, 
Horace  G.  Underwood,  a  graduate  of  1884,  who  has  just  been 
ordained  and  given  to  the  Presbyterian  Church,  to  be  its  pio- 
neer missionary  to  Corea,  the  Hermit  nation. 

The  Professors  have  ever  encouraged  the  missionary  spirit 
an  the  School,  have  pressed  the  claims  of  the  heathen  on  the 
•consciences  of  the  students,  and  have  rejoiced  whenever  one 
has  declared  his  purpose  to  be  a  Foreign  Missionary.  It  seems 
to  us  a  fitting  thing  that  New  Brunswick,  the  home  of  this 
mother  of  the  Schools  of  the  Prophets,  should  have  been 
•chosen  as  the  place  for  the  organization  and  first  meeting  of 
the  American   Inter-Seminary  Missionary  Alliance  in  October, 

1879-     ■' 

The  usual  calm  that  attended  the  working  of  the  Seminar}-, 
was  somewhat  disturbed  in  1834,  by  the  appearance  in  print,  of 
a  sermon  on  Spiritual  Renovation  by  Prof.  McClelland,  founded 
on  Luke  xi:  9.  The  Synod,  after  having  examined  the  same, 
and  heard  the  explanatory  statement  of  the  Professor,  declared 
that  while  the  sermon  contained  sentiments  and  a  phraseology 
which  they  believed  were  not  warranted  by  the  Standards  of 
the  Church,  yet,  "that  the  explanatory  statement  since  made 
by  Prof.  McClelland,  and  his  unequivocal  approbation  of  the 
standards  of  the  Church  are  so  satisfactory  to  the  Synod,  as  to 
justify  an  expression  of  continued  confidence  in  the  correct- 
ness of  his  theological  views  "  Not  only  is  a  reference  to  this 
due  to  the  truth  of  History,  but  it  illustrates  the  jealous  care 
of  the  Church  to  provide  safe  guides  for  her  candidates  for  the 
ministry,  and,  moreover,  affords  the  opportunity  to  call  atten- 
tion  to  the  masterly  and  satisfactory  explanatory  statement 


118  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

made  by  the  Professor  to  the  Synod,  and  which  may  be  found 
in  full  in  the  Acts  and  Proceedings  of  General  Synod,  vol.4,  p. 
312. 

The  year,  1835,  was  marked  by  the  successful  completion 
of  another  effort  for  so  increasing  the  permanent  funds  of 
the  Seminary  that  the  Synod  might  be  relieved  from  the 
embarrassment  caused  by  annual  deficiencies.  Again  we  find 
the  name  of  the  Elder  Abraham  Van  Nest  at  the  head  of  the 
soliciting  Committee,  and  associated  with  him  were  the  Elder 
Richard  Duryee  and  Rev.  Drs.  Jacob  Schoonmaker  and  John 
Knox.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  of  Albany,  headed  the  list 
with  a  subscription  of  $5,000,  the  Collegiate  Church  followed 
with  the  same  amount,  and  then  followed  smaller  subscrip- 
tions, until  the  aggregate  of  $41,083.50  was  reached,  of  which 
the  sum  of  $7,033.50  was  applied  to  payments  of  arrearages  of 
salaries  and  other  debts,  and  $34,050.00  were  added  to  the 
Permanent  Fund. 

In  the  same  year  the  Professors  were,  by  direction  of  the 
General  Synod,  regularly  organized  into  a  Faculty,  to  meet 
monthly,  and  to  keep  regular  minutes  of  proceedings,  the  Pro- 
fessors to  preside  in  the  meetings  in  turn,  in  the  order  of 
seniority  in  service. 

The  friends  of  the  Institution  now  began  to  be  seriously 
troubled  by  the  failure  to  see  a  large  increase  in  the  number 
of  students.  They  thought  that,  when  they  had  devised  and 
done  liberal  things,  it  was  reasonable  to  expect  an  increase  in 
the  number  of  those  who  should  come  to  enjoy  the  privileges 
provided.  The  Synod  appointed  a  committee  to  consider  this 
subject,  who  assigned  various  causes,  some  of  which  could  be 
removed,  and  the  removal  of  which  they  recommended.  They 
reported,  that  although  the  Professors  of  Theology  were  not 
greatly  burdened  by  their  work  in  the  College,  yet  it  was 
thought  that  the  fact  that  they  were  doing  double  duty 
created  an  unfavorable  impression,  and  made  the  young  men 
suspect  that  it  could  not  be  otherwise  than,  that  they  must  to 
some  extent  slight  their  proper  work.  The  price  of  board  was 
also  considered,  and  the  plan  was  suggested  of  erecting  a  build- 
ing for  the  purpose  of  promoting  economy  in  the  means  of 
living.     But   nothing  was  done.     The  fact  was  then,  as  it   is 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  110 

now,  that  the  Institution  had  a  comparatively  small  con- 
stituency. A  small  Denomination  can  expect  very  few  stu- 
dents outside  its  own  bounds  to  enter  its  Theological  School, 
no  matter  how  complete  may  be  the  arrangements,  or  how  able 
and  well-furnished  the  Professors. 

But  in  the  year  1837,  there  came  in  an  influence  that  for  a 
time  removed  this  cause  for  complaint.  The  city  of  New 
Brunswick  was  visited  in  the  years  1836-7  with  a  very  exten- 
sive and  powerful  revival  of  religion.  All  the  churches  in  the 
city  were  greatly  increased  and  strengthened.  An  interesting 
and  detailed  account  of  this  revival  was  given  to  the  public  in 
a  little  volume  by  Rev.  Joseph  H.  Jones  at  the  time  Pastor  of 
the  First  Presbyterian  Church.  The  blessed  work  pervaded 
the  Seminary  and  College,  and  the  great  majority  of  the 
students  of  the  latter,  who  had  not  been  professing  Christians 
before,  became  such,  and  at  the  close  of  the  college  year  in 
1837  very  few  remained  who  had  not  confessed  Christ.  The 
work  of  the  College  was,  during  the  time,  carried  on  in  a  regu- 
lar and  orderly  manner,  and  studies  and  recitations  were  by  no 
means  neglected,  but  the  daily  meetings  for  instruction,  confer- 
ence and  devotion,  in  which  Professors  and  students  came  to- 
gether, can  never  be  forgotten  by  any  one  whose  happiness  it 
was  to  participate  in  them.  As  a  result  of  this  revival,  several 
larger  classes  in  succession  entered  the  Seminary  than  had  ever 
entered  before.  In  the  Autumn  of  1837  ^  class  of  15  entered, 
which  was  the  largest  that  down  to  that  time  had  ever  been 
seen  in  the  Seminary.  Two  of  the  Professors  now  in  service, 
(Demarest  and  DeWitt),  were  among  the  converts  during  this 
revival,  and  the  present  Senior  Professor  and  Dean  of  the 
Seminary  (Prof.  Woodbridge)  was  their  fellow  student  in  the 
Theological  School. 

Events  were  now  fast  tending  toward  an  important  modifi- 
cation of  the  arrangement  between  the  Trustees  and  the  Synod. 
When  Dr.  McClelland  was  elected  Professor  in  the  Seminar}-, 
he  was  not  placed  under  obligation  to  do  the  work  in  the  Col- 
lege that  his  predecessor  had  done.  This  would  have  caused 
some  embarrassment  to  the  Trustees,  if  they  had  not  been 
able,  fortunately,  at  that  time  to  secure  gratuitously,  the  ser- 
vices  of   Rev.  Dr.  Jacob   J.  Janeway   as    Professor  of  Belles 


120  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Lettres,  Elements  of  Criticism  and  Logic,  and  who  was  also 
made  Vice-President  of  the  College.  But  Dr.  Janeway  re- 
signed in  1838,  and  then  the  Superintendents  of  the  College 
made  an  appeal  to  the  Synod  for  relief,  claiming  that  their 
embarrassment  was  caused  by  a  "  departure  of  General  Synod 
from  an  observance  of  the  terms  of  the  Articles  of  Union  of 
the  two  Institutions  agreed  to  in  1825."  Their  complaint 
certainly  appears  to  have  been  well-founded.  In  arguing  the 
matter  of  the  great  importance  of  the  College  to  the  Theologi- 
cal Seminary,  they  expressed  themselves  in  language  that  is 
worthy  of  repetition  now,  after  the  lapse  of  46  years.  In  their 
report  to  the  General  Synod  of  June  1838  they  said  : 

"  It  is  evident,  however,  that  for  the  Dutch  Church  to  pre- 
serve its  distinctive  character  as  a  Church,  it  is  of  the  utmost 
importance,  that  the  youth  of  our  churches  should  be  edu- 
cated in  our  own  Institutions.  If  they  are  trained  in  the  In- 
stitutions of  other  Christian  sects,  the  inevitable  consequence 
will  be,  that  any  peculiar  or  strong  attachment  to  their  own 
Church  will  be  lost ;  the  sectarian  feeling  and  prejudices  of 
other  denominations  will  be  imbibed,  they  will  become  at- 
tached to  their  peculiar  habits  and  customs,  and  should  they 
be  settled  as  pastors  in  our  churches,  the  feelings  and  preju- 
dices which  they  have  elsewhere  acquired,  will  probably  exert 
an  unhappy  influence  over  them.  Under  the  influence  of  a 
truly  sectarian  spirit,  acquired  in  another  religious  sect,  they 
will  imagine  that  it  shows  liberality  of  spirit,  and  enlargedness 
of  sentiment,  to  make  light  of  the  peculiar  customs  and  institu- 
tions of  their  own  Church,  and  to  adopt  and  introduce  into  it 
those  of  others,  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  they  may  learn 
to  reject  or  undervalue  the  doctrines  of  our  Church,  and  by  in- 
troducing the  mistaken  views  and  erroneous  opinions  which 
they  have  received  abroad,  cause  discord  and  trouble.  For 
the  preservation  of  the  peace,  purity,  honor,  and  prosperity  of 
our  Church  it  is  of  the  highest  importance  that  our  ministers 
should  be  mutually  acquainted,  and  cherish  mutual  confidence  ; 
that  they  should  agree  in  maintaining  the  doctrines  of  the 
Church,  and  preserving  its  Customs  and  Ecclesiastical  Forms 
of  Government  ;  and  nothing  will  more  effectually  secure  this 
state  of  things  than   educating  our  own  youth  in  our  own  In- 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  121 

stitutions.  The  surest  way  to  destroy  the  distinctive  charac- 
ter of  our  Church,  to  abolish  all  that  is  peculiar  to  it,  to  sub- 
vert it  from  its  foundation,  and  to  amalgamate  it  with,  and 
merge  it  in  some  other  Christian  sect  or  sects,  is  to  withdraw 
our  youth  from  our  own  to  Foreign  Institutions." 

An  adjourned  meeting  of  the  General  Synod  was  held  at 
New  Brunswick,  July,  1839,  ^o  consider  the  covenant  relations 
existing  between  the  Synod  and  Trustees,  and  to  determine 
what  modifications  were  demanded  by  changed  circumstances. 
It  was  agreed,  first  of  all,  that  no  Theological  Professor  should 
thereafter  be  President  of  the  College.  Dr.  Milledoler  had 
long  before  signified  his  wish  to  retire  from  the  Presidency. 
The  Trustees,  who  were  in  session  at  the  same  time  with  the 
Synod,  resolved  to  appoint  Rev.  Dr.  John  Ludlow  President, 
provided  that  the  Synod  would  pledge  the  funds  needed  for 
the  payment  of  his  salary.  The  Synod  approved  of  the  ap- 
pointment, pledged  themselves  to  raise  means  for  the  payment 
of  a  salary  of  $2,500  per  annum,  and  also  resolved  that  they 
would  "  continue  to  appropriate  the  income  of  this  fund  to  the 
Presidency  of  Rutgers  College  :  provided,  in  future  elections 
of  President,  (during  the  continuance  of  the  compact  with  the 
Board  of  Trustees),  said  Board  of  Trustees  shall  submit  such 
election  to  the  General  Synod,  and  the  same  shall  be  approved 
by  two-thirds  of  the  Synod." 

Dr.  Ludlow  declined  the  office,  and  the  Committee 
appointed  by  the  Synod  to  raise  the  funds  did  nothing, 
because  of  the  great  financial  difficulties  of  the  country  at  the 
time. 

There  were  at  this  time,  those  who  claimed  for  the  Synod  a 
supreme  control  over  the  College,  on  the  ground  that  the  Col- 
lege had  been  expressly  chartered  for  the  purpose  of  educating 
young  men  for  the  ministry,  and  that  instruction  in  Theology 
was  the  predominant  idea  ;  and  it  was  concluded,  that  the 
Synod  must  by  direct  control,  see  to  it  that  the  College  was 
managed  in  conformity  with  that  idea.  On  the  relations  of  the 
Trustees  and  Synod,  the  report  of  a  Committee  of  the  Synod 
of  1840,  of  which  Rev.  Dr.  G.  Abeel  was  Chairman,  speaks  very 
clearly  in  the  following  language  : 

"  It  is  evident,  from  the  nature  of  the  relations  existing  be- 


122  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

tween  the  Synod  and  the  Trustees,  that  nothing  can  be  accom- 
plished without  nautual  agreement  between  them.  Your 
Committee  feel  that  the  College  is  intended  to  subserve  the 
interests  of  the  Church.  But  then  it  was  to  do  it  as  a  char- 
tered body.  Its  form,  its  mode  of  operating,  were  fixed  ;  in  a 
word,  all  its  machinery  was  put  together  long  before  the  Synod 
had  an  existence.  This  form  and  machinery  were  secured  to 
it  by  its  founders.  They  are  common  to  all  similar  institu- 
tions, and  no  attempts  have  been  made  by  the  friends  of  litera- 
ture to  alter  them.  To  modify  it,  so  as  to  subject  it  to  the 
regulations  of  General  Synod,  would  not  answer  the  purpose 
of  the  Church.  The  conflicting  opinions,  the  oftentimes  hur- 
ried deliberations  of  such  a  body,  would  never  suit  the  objects 
of  an  institution  whose  prosperity  mainly  depends  upon  the 
stability  of  Its  plans  and  operations.  The  Synod  do  now  pos- 
sess every  advantage  that  can  be  derived  from  their  wisdom 
and  advice,  and  your  Committee  cannot  see  how  that  advan- 
tage can  be  increased  by  any  closer  connection  with  the  Board 
of  Trustees." 

The  results  of  the  discussions  and  conferences  of  1840,  were 
the  restoration  to  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  full  power  of 
choosing  and  appointing  the  President  of  the  College,  according 
to  the  covenant  of  1825,  with  the  understanding  that  the 
burden  of  the  Presidency  should  not  be  put  on  one  of  the 
Professors  of  Theology,  and  the  endorsement  of  the  following 
Plan  of  Professorial  duties,  agreed  on  in  1839. 

1.  The  President  to  teach  the  Evidences  of  Christianity  and 
the  higher  branches  of  Rhetoric. 

2.  The  Professor  of  Mathematics  to  teach  Mathematics  and 
Natural  Philosophy. 

3.  The  Professor  of  Languages  to  teach  the  Latin  and  Greek 
Languages. 

4.  The  Professor  of  Chemistry  to  teach  Chemistry  and  Ex- 
perimental Philosophy. 

5.  The  Professor  of  Didactic  Theology  to  teach  Moral  Phi- 
losophy. 

6.  The  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History  to  teach  Mental 
Philosophy. 

7.  The  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature  to  teach  Criticism,  as 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  12$ 

taught  in  Ouintilian,  Horace  and  Longinus.  The  Professors  of 
Theology  to  conduct  the  services  in  chapel  on  the  Lord's  Day. 

The  Trustees  were  recommended  to  appoint  a  President  as 
soon  as  practicable,  and  in  order  to  secure  a  salary  for  him,  to 
reduce  the  salaries  of  the  Professors  ;  also  to  take  energetic 
measures  to  increase  the  endowment.  The  Professors  of 
Theology  were  requested  to  continue  to  the  College  such  ser- 
vices as  they  had  heretofore  rendered,  or  such  as,  not  interfer- 
ing with  their  duties  in  the  Seminary,  might  be  agreed  upon 
between  them  and  the  Trustees. 

It  was  also  resolved  by  the  Synod  :  "  That,  in  the  opinion  of 
this  Synod,  the  efficiency  of  this  College  depends  mainly  upon 
the  wise  and  energetic  administration  of  its  affairs  by  the 
Board  of  Trustees,  and  to  the  said  Board  the  Synod  refers  its 
whole  administration,  embracing  the  appointment  of  Profes- 
sors and  Instructors,  providing  and  disbursing  the  funds  of  the 
College;  and  controlling  and  directing  its  concerns  generally; 
and  that  the  Synod  repeals  on  its  part  all  former  action  on  this 
subject  which  may,  or  can  interfere  with  the  tenor  of  this  reso- 
lution." 

In  the  autumn  of  1840,  the  Hon.  Abraham  Bruyn  Hasbrouck, 
L.L.  D.,  of  Kingston,  N.  Y.,  having  been  elected  President  of 
the  College  by  the  Trustees,  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his 
office.  He  was  a  cultivated  scholar,  a  wise  disciplinarian  and 
thorough  Christian  gentleman.  His  administration  was  emin- 
ently successful.  His  memory  is  affectionately  cherished  by 
his  students,  and  the  citizens  of  New  Brunswick  recall  with 
great  pleasure  his  sojourn  among  them  for  ten  years. 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  General  Synod,  held  in  New 
York,  Sept.  8,  1841,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Milledoler  resigned  his  Pro- 
fessorship after  a  service  of  sixteen  years.  His  resignation  was 
caused  by  the  action  of  the  Synod  in  making  a  very  radical 
change  in  the  plan  of  instruction  in  the  Department  of  Didac- 
tic and  Polemic  Theology.  It  was  resolved  that,  while  the  Pro- 
fessor should  continue  to  use  "  Marckii  Medulla  "  as  a  text- 
book, he  should  not  require  the  students  to  "  commit  to  mem- 
ory or  to  recite  the  same,  in  the  words  of  the  author,  in  the 
lecture-room."  The  Professor  was  moreover  required  to  give  "  a 
course  of  elementary  instruction  upon  the  subjects  of  Theolo- 


124  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

gy  "  to  the  Junior  class,  and  to  the  other  classes,  "written  and 
oral  lectures  upon  all  the  branches  of  theological  science,"  and 
•which  were  to  be  "  full,  connected,  continuous  and  well-digested 
prelections  upon  the  whole  system  of  Theology,  Didactic  as 
well  as  Polemic." 

The  Synod  declared  that,  while  this  plan  was  approved  and 
adopted  by  them,  "  they  do  not  insist  on  the  full  execution 
of  it  by  the  Didactic  Professor  immediately,  but  at  as  an  early 
a  period  as  may  be  practicable."  But  the  Professor  deemed  it 
his  duty,  under  the  circumstances,  to  offer  his  resignation, 
which  was  accepted  by  the  Synod  with  an  expression  of  their 
"  grateful  sense  and  acknowledgment  of  the  zeal,  industry,  and 
■fidelity  with  which  he  has  discharged  the  duties  of  the  office  of 
Professor  of  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology." 

The  same  Synod  that  accepted  the  resignation  of  Professor 
Milledoler,  chose  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Ludlow,  at  that  time 
Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  to  be  his  successor. 
Thus  all  the  Professorships  v/ere  in  turn  offered  to  Dr.  Lud- 
low. But,  as  he  had  repeatedly  done  before,  so  now  again,  he 
declined  the  election. 

In  the  month  of  October,  1841,  at  a  special  meeting  of  the 
Synod,  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  A.  Van  Vranken,  Pastor  of  the 
Broome  Street  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  New  York,  was 
•chosen  to  fill  the  vacancy.  He  was  inaugurated  on  the  second 
Tuesday  in  December,  Rev.  Thomas  E.  Vermilye,  D.D.,  preach- 
ing the  sermon,  and  Rev.  Isaac  F'erris,  D.D.,  delivering  the 
charge  to  the  Professor. 

The  Synod  of  June,  1843,  in  accordance  with  a  recommen- 
dation of  the  Board  of  Superintendents,  directed  that  a  Theo- 
logical Commencement  should  be  held  on  the  Thursday  of  the 
week  preceding  the  College  Commencement,  on  the  third 
Wednesday  in  July.  It  was  held  in  the  building  then  occupied 
by  the  Second  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  five  of  the  graduating 
class  and  one  of  the  Professors  delivering  addresses.  But  it 
was  not  favored  by  Professors  or  students,  and  the  time,  (it 
being  within  a  few  days  of  the  College  Commencement),  seemed 
to  be  unfavorable  for  a  general  attendance  of  the  graduates  or 
friends  of  the  Institution  from  a  distance.  The  resolution 
establishing  it  was  repealed  by  the  next  Synod. 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  12S 

Professor  McClelland,  after  having  faithfully  and  success- 
fully labored  in  his  department  for  twenty  years,  felt  compelled 
by  the  state  of  his  health  to  resign  his  office,  which  he  did  in 
a  letter  to  the  Synod,  dated  June  ist,  185 1.  The  resignation 
was  reluctantly  accepted  by  the  Synod.  After  spending  a  few 
months  in  Europe,  he  returned  to  New  Brunswick,  where  he 
lived  in  retirement  until  his  death,  which  took  place  in  the 
year  1864.  During  the  thirteen  years  preceding  his  death,  his 
voice  was  occasionally  heard  in  the  pulpits  of  New  Brunswick,, 
but  he  rendered  no  public  service  beyond  this. 

The  same  Synod  that  accepted  Dr.  McClelland's  resignation 
appointed  as  his  successor  Rev.  Dr.  William  H.  Campbell,  at 
the  time  Principal  of  the  Albany  Academy.  He  was  inaugu- 
rated Oct.  1st,  1851.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Dun- 
can Kennedy,  D.D.,  and  the  charge  to  the  Professor  was  de- 
livered by  Rev.  G.  W.  Bethune,  D.D.  He  remained  in  this  office 
until  June,  1863,  when  he  resigned  to  take  the  Presidency  of 
Rutgers  College,  which  had  been  made  vacant  by  the  death  of 
Hon.  Theodore  Frelinghuysen.  The  latter  office  he  filled  until, 
warned  by  the  coming  infirmities  of  age,  he  resigned  it.  He  is 
still  among  us,  and  while  we  cannot  with  propriety,  say  all  that 
might  be  truthfully  said,  yet  we  may  not  fail  to  record  that 
his  resignation  as  Professor,  when  he  was  in  the  midst  of  his 
years  and  usefulness,  was  received  with  universal  regret.  His 
students  to-day  are  unanimous  in  acknowledging  the  greatness 
of  the  debt  they  owe  him.  With  remarkable  energy  he  labored 
for  all  the  interests  of  the  Seminary  while  connected  with  it. 
He  is  still  connected  with  the  College  as  Professor  of  Christian 
Evidences.* 

The  next  change  in  the  Faculty  took  place  after  an  interval 
of  only  one  year.  Professor  Cannon  sent  his  resignation  to  the 
Synod  of  June,  1852.  He  had  for  some  time  been  unable  to 
lecture  on  account  of  a  painful  disease  of  the  throat.  The 
Synod,  moved  by  a  consideration  of  his  long-continued  and 
useful  services,  and  of  the  cause  of  his  resignation,  declared  him 
to  be  Emeritus  Professor,  and  directed  that  the  whole  amount 
of  his  salary  should  be  paid  to  him  as  heretofore. 

*  Dr.  Campbell  has  since  this  Centennial  Anniversary  been  installed  pastor  of  a 
new  Church  organization,  the  Fourth  Reformed  Church  of  New  Brunswick. 


126  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

In  less  than  two  months  his  Master  came,  and  took  him 
away  to  his  rest  and  crown. 

The  same  Synod  that  declared  Professor  Cannon  Emeritus, 
■elected  Rev.  Dr.  John  Ludlow  as  his  successor.  He  accepted, 
.and  came  back  to  New  Brunswick,  to  spend  the  remainder  of  his 
life  in  work  that  had  occupied  him  in  the  days  of  his  youth. 
He  was  inaugurated  Oct.  ist,  1852.  Rev.  George  W.  Bethune, 
D.D.,  preached  the  sermon  and  Rev.  Isaac  Ferris,  D.D.,  de- 
livered the  charge  to  the  Professor. 

Professors  Van  Vranken,  Campbell  and  Ludlow  now  con- 
stituted the  Faculty,  and  by  them  a  movement  was  made  for 
the  erection  of  a  Theological  Hall,  chiefly  with  a  view  of  di- 
minishing the  expenses  connected  with  the  obtaining  of  a 
Theological  education  at  New  Brunswick.  The  students,  at  their 
suggestion,  addressed  a  memorial  to  the  Board  of  Superinten- 
dents in  July,  1854,  which  was  favorably  received,  and  the 
Board  appointed  three  of  its  number  to  be,  in  connection  with 
the  Professors,  a  Committee  to  procure  plans  for  a  Hall,  and  to 
collect  the  money  needed;  and  this  Committee  was  directed, 
after  the  moneys,  or  subscriptions  for  them,  had  been  obtained, 
to  have  a  meeting  of  the  General  Synod  called,  so  that  the 
action  of  the  Board  might  be  ratified  and  the  necessary  legis- 
lation secured. 

The  Committee,  after  careful  consideration,  concluded  that  a 
suitable  building  might  be  erected  for  25,000,  and  it  was  de- 
termined to  make  application  to  the  Collegiate  Church  of  New 
York  for  that  amount.  The  application  was  promptly  granted, 
and  there  seemed  to  be  nothing  in  the  way  of  a  successful 
prosecution  of  the  proposed  work. 

But  in  a  few  days  they  were  startled  by  the  intelligence  that 
the  Consistory  of  the  Collegiate  Church  had  rescinded  their 
generous  act,  and  proposed  instead,  to  give  the  interest  of 
$25,000  annually,  for  the  benefit  of  the  students.  This  action 
of  the  Consistory  was  prompted  by  objections  that  had  been 
presented  to  them,  to  the  system  of  living  and  boarding  in 
commons  by  students. 

The  Committee  thereupon  visited  the  Union  and  Princeton 
Seminaries,  to  learn  about  the  working  of  the  system  in  those 
institutions;    and  the  result  was  a  confirmation  of  their  views 


HISTORICAL    DISCOURSE.  127 

about  the  desirableness  of  having  a  Hall.  The  argument  they 
presented  to  the  Synod  may  be  seen  in  "  Acts  and  Proceed- 
ings." Vol.  8,  p.  587.  In  accordance  with  their  recommenda- 
tion, the  Synod  passed  resolutions  to  the  effect,  that  they  ap- 
proved of  the  plan  for  a  Theological  Hall,  that  the  Consistory 
of  the  Collegiate  Church  should  be  petitioned  to  restore  their 
liberal  grant  to  its  original  form,  and  that  a  Committee  should 
be  appointed  to  procure  the  erection  of  a  Hall  if  the  grant 
were  renewed,  and  if  not,  with  funds  obtained  by  other  means, 
if  possible.  The  committee  was  appointed,  consisting  of  Rev. 
Drs.  T.  W.  Chambers,  T.  C.  Strong  and  George  W.  Bethune, 
with  the  Professors. 

The  Collegiate  Church  declined  to  renew  its  original  offer, 
and  also  withdrew  the  proposition  to  make  an  annual  appro- 
priation for  the  benefit  of  the  students.  Then  came  the  dona- 
tion from  Mrs.  Anna  Hertzog,  a  member  of  the  Third 
Reformed  Dutch  Church,  of  Philadelphia,  of  $30,000,  for  the 
building  of  a  Hall,  to  be  called  Peter  Hertzog  Theological 
Hall,  in  memory  of  her  deceased  husband.  She  had  provided 
in  her  will  for  the  endowment  of  a  Professorship  by  a  bequest 
of  $25,000,  but  she  was  induced  instead  to  give  the  amount  at 
once  (adding  to  it  $5,000)  for  a  Hall,  as  a  pressing  need  of  the 
Institution  at  the  time.  After  the  completion  of  the  building 
she  added  $700  for  window  blinds,  and  at  her  decease  left  a 
legacy  of  $10,000,  the  interest  of  which  is  to  be  used  only  for 
repairs  to  the  building.  Her  death  took  place  in  June,  1866, 
while  the  General  Synod  was  in  session  at  New  York,  a  dele- 
gation from  which  by  appointment  attended  her  funeral. 

The  chief  portion  of  the  Seminary  grounds  on  which  the 
Hall  was  built  was  given  by  the  late  Col.  James  Neilson,  of 
New  Brunswick  ;  additional  lots  were  given  by  Messrs.  David 
Bishop  and  Charles  P.  Payton,  and  to  make  a  complete  rec- 
tangle with  a  front  extending  from  George  street  to  College 
avenue,  additional  ground  was  bought  at  a  cost  of  $2,000, 
which  moneys  were  contributed  by  Messrs.  Francis  and  Wessell 
Wessells,  of  Paramus,  New  Jersey. 

The  corner  stone  of  the  Hall  was  laid  with  appropriate  cere- 
monies Nov.  8th,  1855,  and  the  completed  building  was  dedi- 
cated Sept,  23d,  1856.     The  Committee  in  their  report  to   the 


12S  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Synod  said,  referring  to  the  Hall,  "  it  stands  in  the  midst  of 
desolateness."  It  had  taken  the  place  of  stunted  oaks  and 
scrubby  cedars.  But  soon  the  street  was  opened  in  front  by 
the  city ;  the  work  of  grading  was  done  ;  trees  were  planted, 
and  so  beginnings  of  improvements  were  made.  A  Committee 
to  care  for  the  property  was  appointed,  called  the  Standing 
Committee  on  Peter  Hertzog  Hall,  which  with  sundry  modifi- 
cations has  been  continued  until  the  present  time.  With  the 
occupation  of  the  Hall  a  division  of  the  books  in  the  Library^ 
which  had  been  held  jointly  by  the  College  and  the  Seminary, 
was  made,  and  the  volumes  belonging  to  the  latter  were  placed 
in  the  Peter  Hertzog  Hall. 

Scarcely  had  this  work  been  accomplished  when  a  sad  breach 
was  made  in  the  Faculty.  Prof.  Ludlow,  after  months  of 
gradually  failing  health  and  strength,  departed  this  life  on  the 
8th  of  September,  1857. 

The  death  of  Prof.  Ludlow  having  occurred  only  a  few  days 
before  the  opening  of  the  Seminary  year,  it  was  necessary  that 
measures  to  fill  the  vacancy  should  be  taken  immediately.  A 
special  meeting  of  the  General  Synod  was  held  in  Newark^ 
Oct.  14th,  1857,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Geo.  W.  Bethune,  at  the  time 
Pastor  of  the  Church  on  the  Heights,  Brooklyn,  was  elected, 
but  he  declined.  Then  Rev.  Samuel  M.  Woodbridge,  Pastor  of 
the  Second  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  of  New  Brunswick,  was 
chosen,  and  he  was  inaugurated  on  the  second  day  of  Decem- 
ber. The  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Thomas  M,  Strong,. 
D.D.,  and  the  charge  to  the  Professor  was  delivered  by  Rev. 
ManciusS.  Hutton,  D.D. 

At  the  same  session.  Dr.  Bethune  was  requested  to  deliver 
to  the  students  a  course  of  lectures  on  Pulpit  Eloquence,  and 
he  delivered  the  course  during  that  year,  with  practical  exer- 
cises in  the  reading  of  Scripture  and  of  Hymns.  A  Commit- 
tee also  was  appointed  to  "  take  into  consideration  the  expe- 
diency and  practicability  of  establishing  a  Professorship  of 
Sacred  Rhetoric  in  the  Theological  Seminary,  and  report  on 
the  subject  to  the  next  General  Synod.  '  This  was  the  first 
movement  looking  toward  the  establishment  of  a  Fourth  Pro- 
fessorship. But  nothing  farther  was  done  in  the  matter  at  this 
time.    The  Committee  in  their  Report  said  :  "  In  regard  to  the 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  129 

expediency  and  practicability  of  establishing  a  Professorship 
of  Sacred  Rhetoric,  the  Committee  have  no  confidence  that  it 
can  be  done  by  a  detailed  solicitation  addressed  to  the 
churches,  and  therefore,  they  recommend  the  following  resolu- 
tion, viz.  :  "  That  this  Synod  hope  and  pray  that  God  will  put 
it  into  the  heart  of  some  opulent  member  of  our  Church  to 
endow  sucli  a  Professorship." 

And  now  was  the  Church  again  called  to  mourn  the  removal 
by  death  of  an  honored  Professor.  On  the  ist  day  of  January, 
1861,  Rev.  Dr  Van  Vranken  entered  into  rest,  after  having 
served  the  Institution  nearly  20  years. 

His  work  was,  after  his  death,  carried  on  to  the  close  of  the 
year  by  his  colleagues,  Drs.  Campbell  and  Woodbridge,  they 
reading  his  lectures  and  hearing  the  recitations. 

In  the  month  of  June,  1861,  the  Synod  elected  Rev.  Dr. 
Joseph  F.  Berg,  Pastor  of  the  Second  Reformed  Dutch  Church 
of  Philadelphia,  successor  to  Dr.  Van  Vranken,  as  Professor  of 
Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology.  He  was  inaugurated  Sept. 
24th,  1861.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Dr.  Geo.  W. 
Bethune,  and  the  charge  to  the  Professor  was  delivered  by  Rev. 
Dr.  VV.  H.  Campbell. 

The  next  change  that  took  place  in  the  Faculty  was  occa 
sioned  by  the  resignation,  to  which  we   have  already  alluded, 
of  Rev.  Dr.  Campbell,  the  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature.    He 
resigned  in  June,  1863,  after  twelve  years  of  service,  in  order 
to  take  the  Presidency  of  Rutgers  College. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Synod,  held  the  same  month,  at 
Newburg,  Rev.  Hervey  D.  Ganse  was  elected  Professor  in  the 
place  of  Dr.  Campbell.  Pie  having  declined.  Rev.  Johrs 
De  Witt,  Pastor  of  the  Church  at  Millstone,  N.  J.,  was  elected 
Professor  of  Biblical  Literature.  He  was  inaugurated  in  the 
First  Ref.  Dutch  Church,  Sept.  22,  1863.  Rev.  Hervey  D„ 
Ganse  preached  the  sermon,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  De  Witt 
delivered  the  charge  to  the  Professor. 

In  the  following  year,  1864,  it  was  resolved  by  the  Synod 
to  transfer  the  College  property,  back  to  the  Trustees,  under 
certain  conditions.  It  had  been  taken,  as  will  be  remembered, 
many  years  before,  by  the  Synod,  in  order  to  relieve  the  Trus- 
tees from  pecuniary  embarrassment,  and  the  Trustees  had  ever 


130  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

since  been  tenants  without  charge,  A  re-transfer  was  now 
agreed  upon  and  effected,  it  being  agreed  on  the  part  of  the 
Trustees,  to  pay  the  sum  of  $12,000,  which  the  Synod  resolved 
to  use  for  the  erection  of  dwellings  for  two  of  the  Theological 
Professors,  who  had  occupied  the  two  wings  of  the  College 
building  as  residences  ;  and  also,  that  the  President  and  three- 
fourths  of  the  members  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  should  al- 
ways be  members  in  full  communion  of  the  Reformed  Protest- 
ant Dutch  Church  of  North  America. 

By  the  Synod  of  1865,  it  was  "  Resolved,  That  this  Synod  re- 
linquishes, on  behalf  of  the  Trustees  of  Rutgers  College,  the 
nomination  and  appointment  of  the  Professor  of  Theology  of 
that  Institution,  from  this  date,  providing  such  relinquishment 
does  not  interfere  with  any  existing  contract  with  the  Trustees? 
in  relation  to  money,  to  be  made  up  for  the  salary  of  the 
Professor  of  Theology."  This  act  effected  the  complete  ab- 
rogation of  all  the  Covenants  between  the  General  Synod  and 
the  Trustees  of  Rutgers  College. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

FROM  THE  ESTABLISHMENT  OF  THE  FOURTH  PROFESSOR- 
SHIP TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME.     1865-1884. 

Movement  for  the  Fourth  Professorship— Dr.  Smith's  Sub- 
scription—Professorship  Established— Prof.  Demarest  Elect- 
ed—Dr.  Smith's  Failure— Dr.  Cornell's  Work— Work  of  the 
Standing  Committee — Subscriptions  for  the  Library — Con- 
tributions of  Messrs.  Suydam  and  Sage — James  Suydam  Hall 
— G.  A.  Sage  Library— Suydam  Statue— Death  of  Prof.  Berg 
— Prof.  Van  Zandt  Elected — Vedder  Lecture — Death  of  Prof. 
Van  Zandt — Prof.  Mabon  Elected — Illness  of  Prof.  Wood- 
bridge — Dean  Appointed — New  Curriculum — Fifth  Professor- 
ship Founded — Prof.  Lansing  Elected — Conclusion. 

The  next  movement  in  the  line  of  progress  was  one  that 
liad  for  its  object  the  increased  efificiency  of  the  Institution  it- 
self by  the  establishment  of  a  Fourth  Professorship.  The  need 
of  enlarging  the  Faculty,  so  that  certain  studies  and  exercises 
might  receive  more  attention,  had  long  been  felt.     The  Stand- 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  131 

ing  Committee,  appointed  on  the  completion  of  the  Theologi- 
cal Hall,  was  "authorized  and  requested  to  secure  such  addi- 
tional funds,  as  may  be  needed  to  accomplish  the  objects  of 
the  Institution."  The  report  of  a  special  Committee  in  1859 
discouraged,  as  we  have  seen,  any  attempt,  at  that  time,  to 
make  a  general  effort  through  the  churches  for  the  establish- 
ment of  the  confessedly  greatly  needed  Professorship  of  Pas- 
toral Theology  and  Sacred  Rhetoric,  and  expressed  the  hope 
that  some  individual  might  be  moved  to  endow  it.  Five  years 
passed,  and  nothing  was  done  for  the  accomplishment  of  this 
object. 

But  the  Standing  Committee  of  1864  thought  that  the  time 
had  come  to  "  institute  an  effort  for  the  more  complete  endow- 
ment of  the  Theological  Seminary  as  directed  by  the  Synod  of 
1857,  when  the  Committee  was  originally  appointed  with  this 
express  object."  Two  objects  were  by  the  Committee  combined 
in  the  effort.  The  one  was  to  obtain  funds  for  the  endow- 
ment of  a  new  Professorship,  the  other  was  to  obtain  an  in- 
c  rease  of  the  existing  fund,  so  that  the  income  might  not  only 
be  made  sufificient  for  the  payment  of  the  salaries  of  the  Pro- 
fessors, but  that  their  salaries,  which  were  deplorably  insuffi- 
cient, might  be  increased  to  $2,500. 

Rev.  Nicholas  E.  Smith,  D.D.,  Pastor  of  the  Middle  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  was  in  full  sympathy 
with  the  Committee.  He  offered  to  give  to  the  Permanent  Pro- 
fessorial Fund  the  munificent  sum  of  $40,000,  on  the  conditions 
that  the  salaries  of  the  Professors  should  be  made  $2,500,  and 
that  the  sum  of  $40,000  should  be  raised  from  the  churches 
for  the  endowment  of  a  Professorship  of  Pastoral  Theology 
and  Sacred  Rhetoric. 

Under  the  stimulus  of  this  most  generous  offer,  the  work  of 
obtaining  subscriptions  was  carried  on  energetically  and  suc- 
cessfully. It  was  mainly  done  by  the  Professors  Woodbridge, 
Berg,  and  De  Witt,  who  everywhere  received  liberal  responses. 
Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  of  Albany,  the  staunch  and  devoted 
friend  of  our  Church  and  her  institutions,  as  his  father  had 
been,  headed  the  list  with  a  subscription  of  $5,000.  The  Pro- 
fessors were  aided  in  the  work  by  the  Hudson  River  Ministe- 
rial Association,  which  appointed  three  of  its  ministers  to  visit 


132  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

the  churches  on  the  Hudson.  As  a  result  of  this  effort  consid- 
erably more  than  $50,000  were  paid  into  the  treasury  of  the 
General  Synod. 

It  is  simply  just  to  Prof.  De  Witt,  to  quote  the  following  tes- 
timony of  the  Committee  given  in  their  report  to  the  Synod 
of  1866:  "  Your  Committee  feel  that  they  cannot  close  this  re- 
port without  a  special  acknowledgment  of  the  great  service 
rendered  the  Church  by  Prof.  John  De  Witt,  D.D.,  who  in- 
itiated the  present  movement,  obtained  the  principal  part  of 
the  large  amount  that  has  recently  been  subscribed  for  the 
various  purposes  of  the  Institution,  and  of  whom  it  is  especially 
to  be  noted,  that  by  untiring  zeal  and  energy,  although  with 
the  hearty  co-operation  of  his  colleagues,  he  carried  the  effort 
to  establish  the  Fourth  Professorship  to  a  successful  termina- 
tion." 

The  Synod  of  1865,  in  session  at  New  Brunswick,  being  in- 
formed that  Dr.  Smith  had  given  his  bond  to  the  Board  of 
Direction  for  $40,000,  and  that  subscriptions  for  the  same 
amount  had  been  obtained  from  the  churches  for  the  establish- 
ment of  a  Fourth  Professorship,  and  that  much  of  the  money 
had  been  paid,  resolved,  immediately  to  establish  such  Profes- 
sorship and  to  elect  a  Professor.  The  result  was  the  election 
of  Rev.  David  D.  Demarest,  D.D.,  pastor  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  Church  of  Hudson,  N.  Y.,  as  Professor  of  Pastoral  The- 
ology and  Sacred  Rhetoric.  He  was  inaugurated  in  the  First 
Reformed  Church  of  New  Brunswick  on  the  19th  of  Septem- 
ber, 1865,  Rev.  A.  P.  Van  Gieson,  D.D.,  preaching  the  ser- 
mon, and  Rev.  M.  S.  Hutton,  D.D.,  delivering  the  charge  to 
the  Professor. 

Soon  the  Church  and  all  the  friends  of  the  Seminaryex- 
perienced  a  bitter  disappointment.  Dr.  Smith  became  embar- 
rassed pecuniarily,  and  was  compelled  to  ask  the  Synod 
to  release  him  from  the  obligation  he  had  assumed. 
In  his  letter  to  the  Board  of  Direction,  he  says : 
"  If,  through  the  Board,  I  could  be  released  from  the 
bond  it  would  be  doing  an  act  of  mercy  to  one  who  simply  de- 
sired to  serve  the  Church,  and  to  do  what  he  could  for  her 
prosperity."  Dr.  Smith,  unfortunately,  failed  to  accomplish 
what  he  desired  and    intended,  and  he  was  promptly  released 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  133 

by  the  Synod.  His  disappointment  was,  no  doubt,  as  great  as 
was  that  of  the  friends  of  the  Institution.  But  let  it  never  be 
forgotten  that  the  Church  owes  him  a  great  debt  of  gratitude. 
He,  in  entire  good  faith,  made  his  subscription.  Moreover,  he 
paid,  and  who  can  tell  with  what  sacrifice,  interest  on  his  bond 
for  two  years,  amounting  to  $5,600.  He  was  the  means  of 
securing  moneys  from  the  churches  for  the  establishment  of  a 
new  Professorship,  and  also  in  part  for  building  houses  for  the 
Professors,  for  the  excess  of  collections  above  $40,000  was 
devoted  to  that  object. 

To  supply  the  deficiency  thus  created,  was  now  the  immedi- 
ate and  imperative  task  before  the  Church.  No  one  thought 
of  yielding  to  discouragement.  With  a  view  to  prompt  and 
decisive  action,  the  Synod  of  1868  modified  the  constitution 
of  the  Standing  Committee,  making  it  to  consist  of  nine  lay- 
men with  one  of  the  Professors,  who  should  be  designated  by 
the  Faculty.  This  Committee  was  authorized  to  employ  an 
agent  to  obtain  subscriptions  and  collect  moneys  for  the  en- 
dowment, as  well  as  to  care  for  the  property  of  the  Seminary. 
It  was  also  to  be  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Board  of 
Superintendents,  was  directed  to  leport  to  that  body,  to  meet 
with  it  annually  to  confer  about  the  temporal  interests  of  the 
Seminary,  and  to  be  under  the  general  direction  of  the  Board. 
The  Board  of  Direction  was  to  cooperate  with  this  Committee 
in  an  effort  to  raise  $100,000  for  completing  the  endowment 
and  paying  the  debt  of  the  Synod. 

The  Committee  and  Board  of  Direction  jointly,  employed 
Rev.  Dr.  James  A.  H.  Cornell,  of  New  Baltimore,  N.  Y.,  the 
financial  agent.  Dr.  C.  had  been  obliged  to  leave  the  service 
of  the  Board  of  Education  as  its  Secretary,  on  account  of  the 
state  of  his  health,  and  his  friends  endeavored  to  dissuade  him 
from  undertaking  this  service.  But  he  was  deeply  impressed 
with  the  facts,  that  the  work  was  one  of  supreme  importance, 
not  only  to  the  Seminary,  but  to  the  whole  denomination  ;  that 
he  was  called  to  a  position  of  rare  influence,  and  that  a  singular 
opportunity  of  doing  great  good  was  presented  to  him.  Believ- 
ing that  this  was  a  call  from  God  that  must  not  be  treated  lightly, 
he,  in  the  face  of  foreseen  discouragements,  entered  upon  his 
^nission  with  enthusiasm,  and  prosecuted  it  with  remarkable  skill 


134  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

and  vigor  during  two  and  a  half  years,  his  bodily  health  and 
strength  meanwhile  constantly  improving.  Now  began  that 
wonderful  history  of  his  success  in  obtaining  moneys  for  the 
various  interests  of  the  Seminary. 

His  first  step  was  to  secure  the  interest  and  help  of  his 
noble  Christian  friend  and  former  co-worker  in  the  Board  of 
Education,  the  retired  Christian  merchant,  and  the  liberal 
helper  of  all  good  causes,  James  Suydam,  Esq.,  of  New  York 
City.  From  him,  he  almost  immediately,  received  the  sum  of 
$40,000  for  the  endowment  of  the  Professorship  of  Didactic 
and  Polemic  Theology,  to  which  Mr.  S.  subsequently  added 
the  sum  of  $20,000. 

The  Synod  also  gave  Dr.  Cornell  a  direct  appointment  as  its 
agent.  Inasmuch,  as  it  was  found  to  be  very  difficult  to  con- 
vene the  Committee,  it  being  composed  of  laymen  pressed  by 
business  engagements,  it  was  changed  the  next  year,  and  made 
to  consist  of  one  Professor  appointed  by  the  Faculty,  and  five 
other  members,  (not  necessarily  laymen),  to  be  appointed  an- 
nually by  the  General  Synod.  In  1870,  the  term  of  service  of 
the  members  of  the  Committee  was  extended  to  three  years,  so 
that  they  might  have  time  to  complete  some  improvements 
that  had  been  begun  by  them  in  the  Hall.  In  1873,  a  further 
reappointment  of  the  Committee  for  three  years  was  made. 
And  in  1876,  it  was  resolved,  that  the  Committee  should  con- 
sist of  one  Professor  and  five  other  members,  a  majority  of 
whom  should  be  laymen,  that  the  term  of  service  should  be 
five  years,  and  that  one  member  should  be  elected  annually. 
The  name  of  the  Committee  was  now  made,  "  The  Committee 
on  Seminary  Grounds  and  Property." 

The  reports  of  the  Committee  have  been  regularly  presented 
to  the  General  Synod,  and  they  show  a  vast  amount  of  work 
done,  of  which  the  Synod  has  often  made  grateful  acknowl- 
edgments. Extensive  improvements  and  repairs  have  been 
made  to  Peter  Hertzog  Theological  Hall.  Water  from  the 
city  works,  and  heating  by  steam  have  been  introduced  into  it, 
and  no  expense  has  been  spared  to  make  it  an  attractive  dwell- 
ing place.  A  Rector  has  care  of  the  Hall  and  furnishes  board 
to  students  desiring  it.  Revs.  Peter  J.  Quick,  L.  H.Van  Dyck, 
John  Garretson,  D.D.,  and  Ralph  Willis,  the  present  incumbent, 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  135 

have  successively  held  this  position.  The  Church  should  not 
forget  the  gentlemen  under  whose  direction  and  supervision  in 
connection  with  the  Professors,  the  improvements  in  buildings 
and  grounds  have  been  made  during  the  last  fifteen  years,  viz: 
Messrs.  James  Suydam,  Gardner  A.  Sage,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  A.  H. 
Cornell,  Rev.  Dr.  W.  J.  R.  Taylor,  David  Bishop,  John  W. 
Ferdon,  S.  R.  W.  Heath,  S.  R.  Wheeler,  William  Bogardus, 
William  H.  Jackson,  and  lastly,  William  H.  Kirk,  who  is 
worthy  of  special  mention,  for  valuable  services  constantly  and 
cheerfully  rendered. 

By  means  of  the  full  endowment  of  the  Professorship  of 
Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology,  the  lack  caused  by  the  failure 
of  Dr.  Smith  was  more  than  supplied,  for  it  relieved  the  per- 
manent fund  entirely  of  the  support  of  one  Professor.  If 
nothing  more  than  this  had  been  accomplished,  we  should 
rightly  have  rejoiced  in  it  as  a  great  thing  done,  and  a  fulfil- 
ment of  the  expectations  of  the  most  sanguine.  But  with  Dr. 
Cornell  this  was  only  a  beginning.  His  plans  were  compre- 
hensive, embracing  all  the  needs  of  the  Seminary  and  the 
means  for  their  supply. 

Believing,  that  a  far  better  Library  than  the  Seminary  pos- 
sessed, was  needed  by  both  Professors  and  students,  and  that 
moneys  could  be  raised  for  this  object  more  readily,  than  for 
almost  any  other,  he  gave  himself  for  a  time,  chiefly,  to  the  ob- 
taining of  subscriptions  of  $2,500  each,  for  the  purchase  of 
books  ;  the  name  of  each  donor,  or  of  some  person  designated 
by  him,  to  be  attached  to  an  alcove  in  the  Library.  In  a  very 
short  time  19  subscriptions  of  $2,500  each,  had  been  obtained,, 
besides  a  few  smaller  ones.  This  money  was  not  to  be  invested 
permanently,  but  to  be  expended  entirely  for  books,  gradually 
and  wisely.  Before  the  expenditure  of  the  money  had  been 
completed,  the  sum  had  amounted  to  nearly  $55,000,  by  rea- 
son of  accumulated  interest  on  unexpended  balances.  The 
selection  of  books  has  been  made  by  the  Faculty,  aided  by  a 
Committee  of  the  General  Synod,  consisting  of  Rev.  Drs.  T.  W. 
Chambers,  E.  T.  Corwin,  C.  D.  Hartranft,  and  Prof.  Jacob 
Cooper,  of  Rutgers  College.  They  have  held  monthly  meet- 
ings with  great  regularity  for  nine  years,  have  exercised  great 
care  in  the  selection  of  books,  and  made  annual  reports  to  the 


136  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Synod.  The  result  is  a  Library  which  is  the  boast  of  the  In- 
stitution, and  which  is  of  inestimable  value  to  the  Professors 
and  students,  and  to  the  Professors  and  students  of  Rutgers 
Crllege  as  well,  and  to  the  neighboring  clergy  of  all  denomin- 
ations, who  are  made  welcome  to  the  use  of  it,  and  which  is 
open  six  days  of  the  week  to  visitors,  who  are  specially  in- 
vited to  come  and  read  and  consult  the  books.  The  founda- 
tions of  this  Library  had  early  been  laid  by  occasional  gifts  of 
money  and  books,  and  scanty  appropriations  of  money  by 
General  Synod.  Valuable  contributions  had  been  made  by 
Mrs.  Margaret  Chinn,  of  Albany,  in  1 821,  to  the  Exegetical 
Department,  and  in  1863,  it  was  enriched  by  a  valuable  dona- 
tion of  3,500  volumes,  by  Mrs.  Mary  Bethune,  from  the  library 
of  her  deceased  husband,  Rev.  Dr.  Geo.  W.  Bethune,  among 
which  are  many  choice  editions  of  the  Greek  and  Latin  Classics, 
beside  valuable  theological  works.  The  Library  now  contains 
36,831  volumes  of  carefully  selected  works  on  the  various 
branches  of  Theology  not  only,  but  Philosophy,  History,  Art, 
Literature,  Archaeology,  and,  to  some  extent,  on  all  important 
branches  of  knowledge.  It  is  under  the  care  of  Rev.  PeterJ  . 
Quick,  Librarian,  assisted  by  Mr.  John  Van  Dyke. 

While  Dr.  C.  was  doing  important  work  for  the  Library,  he 
did  not  lose  sight  of  the  other  interests  of  the  Seminary. 
About  $16,000  were,  by  various  contributors,  added  to  the  Per- 
manent F'und,  and  as  much  more  was  obtained  and  expended 
for  the  improvement  of  Peter  Hertzog  Hall  and  its  surround- 
ings. More  than  all  this,  such  an  interest  in  the  affairs  of  the 
Seminary  was  awakened  in  Mr.  Gardner  A.  Sage,  of  New 
York  City,  that  he,  like  Mr.  Suydam,  devoted  the  remainder 
of  his  life,  chiefly,  to  a  care  for  its  interests,  and  the  devising 
and  executing  of  liberal  things  for  its  efficiency  and  attrac- 
tiveness. 

The  work  of  Dr.  Cornell  for  the  Seminary  is  not,  by  any 
means,  to  be  estimated  by  the  moneys  obtained  by  him  during 
the  two  and  a  half  years  that  he.  spent  in  active  service  as  the 
agent  of  the  General  Synod.  He  continued,  after  his  agency 
had  ceased,  to  hold  cordial  and  intimate  relations  with 
Messrs.  Suydam  and  Sage.  They  consulted  him,  and  he 
advised    with    them,    and    encouraged    them     in    regard    to 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  137 

all  their  plans  for  furthering  the  interests  of  the  Seminary. 
He  was  one  of  the  executors  of  the  will  of  Mr.  Suydam, 
and  in  that  capacity,  did  good  service  to  the  Institution  ; 
for  while  the  legacies  could  not  by  reason  of  the  depres- 
sion in  the  value  of  real  estate  be  fully  paid  immediately,  yet 
interest  according  to  the  legal  rate  was  regularly  paid  on  all  of 
them,  and  finally,  by  a  timely  sale,  the  whole  amount  of  the 
bequests  was  realized. 

Messrs.  Suydam  and  Sage  not  only  gave  freely  of  their  money 
as  it  was  needed,  but  also  cheerfully,  their  time,  their  counsel, 
and  their  personal  services  as  members  of  the  Standing  Com- 
mittee. Mr.  Suydam  was  chairman  of  it,  until  the  time  of  his 
death,  and  was  constant  in  attending  its  meetings  until  pre- 
vented by  infirmities.  Mr.  Sage  succeeded  him,  and  held  the 
place  until  his  death,  though  unable  for  a  long  time,  for  the 
same  reason,  to  attend  the  meetings.  But  until  thus  prevented, 
not  a  week  passed  without  his  being  seen  on  the  premises,  ex- 
amining, planning,  supervising,  directing.  They  two  united 
in  purchasing,  at  a  cost  of  $18,000,  the  house  built  by  Prof 
Geo.  H.  Cook,  at  the  corner  of  George  St.  and  Seminary 
Place,  and  giving  it  to  the  Synod  for  a  Professorial  residence. 
Mr.  Suydam,  thinking  that  a  building,  separate  from  the  Hall 
in  which  the  students  lived,  was  needed  for  the  various  pur- 
poses of  the  Institution,  caused  the  erection,  at  cost  of  a 
$100,000,  of  the  noble  and  spacious  building  which  he  presented 
to  the  Synod,  by  whom  it  was  named  James  Suydam  Hall.  It 
contains  a  large  and  admirably  furnished  Gymnasium,  Lecture 
rooms,  Chapel  and  room  for  the  Society  of  Inquiry,  contain- 
ing their  Museum  of  Curiosities.  The  corner  stone  of  this 
Hall  was  laid  by  Mr.  Suydam,  on  the  28th,  of  September,  1871, 
in  the  presence  of  the  General  Synod,  which  came  over  from 
Brooklyn,  by  invitation  of  the  Standing  Committee.  On  this 
occasion,  the  address  was  made  by  Rev.  Dr.  William  Ormiston. 
Before  the  completion  of  the  building  Mr.  S.  was  called  away 
from  all  earthly  scenes. 

The  Hall  was  dedicated  on  the  5th  day  of  June,  1873,  ^^^^ 
the  General  Synod,  which  was  in  session  at  the  time  in  New 
Brunswick,  attended  in  a  body.  The  exercises  w-ere  held  in 
the  chapel.     Rev.  Dr.   Ormiston  delivered   an   address.     The 


138  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

dedicatory  service  was  performed  by  Rev.  Dr.  A.  B.  Van 
Zandt,  the  James  Suydam  Professor  of  Didactic  and  Polemic 
Theology,  and  this  was  followed  by  addresses  from  Asher  An- 
derson representing  the  students,  Rev.  Dr.  David  Cole  re- 
presenting the  Board  of  Superintendents,  and  Rev.  President 
Campbell  representing  the  Trustees  of  the  College. 

On  the  same  day,  the  corner  stone  of  the  Gardner  A.  Sage 
Library  was  laid  by  Rev.  Dr.  J.  A.  H.  Cornell,  in  presence  of 
the  Synod,  on  which  occasion  addresses  were  made  by  Mr. 
Sage's  pastor,  Rev.  Dr.  M.  S.  Hutton  and  Rev.  Prof.  S.  M. 
Woodbridge,  D.D. 

The  old  Library  Room  in  Peter  Hertzog  Hall  had  been 
greatly  improved,  furnished  with  new  cases,  and  made  attrac- 
tive. But  it  soon  became  apparent  that  it  was  too  small  to 
contain  the  books  that  were  to  be  purchased.  And,  besides 
this,  Hertzog  Hall  seemed  to  be  an  unsafe  place  for  a  valuable 
Library,  inasmuch,  as  a  fire  might  sweep  it  out  of  existence  in 
an  hour.  Mr.  Sage  had  early  conceived  the  idea  of  erecting  a 
fire-proof  building,  and  it  soon  became  a  fixed  purpose,  which 
he  proceeded,  with  the  utmost  care  and  deliberation,  to  carry 
into  effect.  He  was  unwilling  to  take  any  practical  steps  in  the 
matter,  until  he  had  so  carefully  turned  his  plans  over  and  over 
and  matured  them,  that  he  was  relieved  of  the  apprehension 
of  disappointment.  Thus  it  happened  that  the  cornerstone  of 
his  building  was  not  laid  until  the  day  that  Mr.  Suydam's  was 
dedicated. 

After  the  corner  stone  had  been  laid,  Mr.  Sage  was  seen  al- 
most daily  in  New  Brunswick,  superintending  the  erection  of 
the  building,  his  scrutiny  extending  to  the  minutest  particular. 
He  would  not  allow  the  slightest  imperfection.  And  he  suc- 
ceeded in  providing  for  the  Library  just  the  building  that  was 
needed.  It  is  fire-proof,  commodious,  well-arranged,  well- 
lighted,  and  every  way  most  attractive.  It  contains  a  closet 
for  the  archives  of  General  Synod  and  the  safe-keeping  of  valu- 
able papers.  It  was  dedicated  June  4th,  1875.  The  General 
Synod,  which  was  at  that  time  in  session  at  Jersey  City,  by 
invitation  of  Mr.  Sage  went  to  New  Brunswick  in  a  body  to 
attend  the  exercises.  Rev.  Dr.  W.  J.  R.  Taylor  presided  on 
the   occasion   and  made  a  brief  address.     An  address   was  de- 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  139 

livered  by  Rev.  Dr.  M.  S.  Hutton  ;  the  dedicatory  prayer 
was  offered  by  Rev.  Dr.  David  Inglis  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Philip  Peltz 
spoke  in  behalf  of  the  Board  of  Superintendents;  Rev.  Prcst. 
Campbell,  in  behalf  of  Rutgers  College  ;  Prof.  David  D. 
Demarest,  in  behalf  of  the  Theological  P'aculty  ;  Rev.  Dr.  J. 
Chamberlain  also  delivered  an  address,  and  finally,  Rev.  Dr. 
Chas.  Scott,  the  President  of  the  General  Synod.  And  now 
these  two  imposing  buildings  stand  to  commemorate  the 
bounty  of  the  noble  men  whose  names  they  appropriately  bear, 
and  to  be,  we  hope,  for  the  benefit  of  students  and  Professors  for 
many  generations. 

It  is  impossible  to  give  a  full  account  of  the  services  and 
contributions  of  these  two  gentlemen  to  the  Institution.  Dur- 
ing their  connection  with  the  Standing  Committee,  they  did 
much  to  meet  the  annual  pressing  wants  of  Peter  Hertzog 
Hall,  and  also  of  needy  students,  and  gave  much  for  contin- 
gencies of  which  no  account  was  made.  Mr.  Suydam  had, 
years  before,  endowed  four  Scholarships  of  $3,000  each,  and  had 
given  $2,000  as  a  fund,  the  interest  of  which  should  annually  be 
devoted  to  the  purchase  of  books  for  members  of  the  gradu- 
ating class.  After  his  death  it  appeared  that  he  had  by  will 
bequeathed  $20,000  for  the  maintenance  ot  James  Suydam 
Hall,  $20,000  for  the  repair  of  buildings  and  the  improvement  of 
the  grounds,  $20,000  for  the  erection  of  a  Professorial  residence,, 
and  the  General  Synod  was,  in  connection  with  the  American 
Bible  Society,  made  his  residuary  legatee. 

Mr.  Sage,  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Suydam,  gave  largely  every 
year,  to  meet  deficiencies  in  the  income  of  Peter  Hertzog  Hall. 
In  1880,  he  gave  $25,000  for  a  Permanent  Endowment  of  the 
Hall,  so  that  expenses  of  students  might  be  diminished  ;  $35,000 
for  a  fund  to  meet  the  annual  expenses  of  the  Library  ;  $20,000 
for  a  fund,  the  income  of  which  is  to  be  devoted  to  the  pur- 
chase of  books;  $5,000  for  finishing  the  basement  for  storage 
of  books;  and  $5,000  for  two  Scholarships,  making  an  aggre- 
gate of  $90,000.  After  his  death,  which  occurred  Aug.  24th, 
1882,  his  will  was  found  to  contain  a  bequest  of  $50,000  for 
the  establishment  of  a  new  Professorship.  The  aggregate  of 
the  gifts  of  these  men  to  the  Institution  rather  exceeds  than 
falls  below  half  a  million  of  dollars,  and  it  is  difficult  to  ascer- 


140  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

tain  who  gave  the  larger  part,  they  were  so  nearly  equal  in  the 
amount  of  their  benefactions. 

As  a  well-deserved  tribute  to  the  memory  of  Mr.  Suydam, 
his  friends  have  erected  his  statue  in  bronze  in  front  of  the 
Hall  that  bears  his  name.  It  was  unveiled  on  the  same  day 
that  the  Hall  was  dedicated,  in  presence  of  the  General  Synod 
and  a  large  concourse  of  people,  and  a  short  address  was  de- 
livered by  the  Rev.  Dr.  W.  J.  R,  Taylor,  who  in  an  unpub- 
lished memoir  of  Mr.  S.  has  given  the  following  description  of 
the  statue:  "This  first  large  work  of  the  sculptor,  Hess, 
was  executed  in  the  foundry  of  the  Messrs.  Fischer,  of  New 
York.  It  is  of  heroic  size,  about  eight  feet  in  height,  mounted 
on  a  graceful  stone  pedestal,  and  representing  Mr.  S.  in  a  sit- 
ting posture,  in  a  garden  chair  of  Roman  pattern,  and  clad  in 
the  ordinary  out-door  costume  of  the  present  day.  The  head 
is  slightly  raised,  as  if  in  conversation  with  some  friend,  while 
the  dignified  figure  and  benevolent  countenance,  which  were 
characteristic  of  the  man,  are  gracefully  reproduced  in  the 
artist's  work." 

After  some  months  of  failing  health,  Prof.  Berg  was  removed 
by  death,  July  20,  1871. 

At  an  extra  session  of  the  Synod,  held  in  Brooklyn,  Sept. 
2"],  1 87 1,  Rev.  Dr.  William  G.  T.  Shedd  of  the  Union  Theo- 
logical Seminary  New  York,  was  elected  in  the  place  of  Prof. 
Berg,  Professor  of  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology.  He  hav- 
ing declined,  Prof.  S.  M.  Woodbridge,  by  request  of  an  author- 
ized  Committee  of  the  Synod,  gave  instruction  in  this  depart- 
ment, to  the  members  of  the  senior  and  middle  classes  to  the 
end  of  the  seminary  year,  greatly  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  stu- 
dents, and  the  committee.  A  course  of  twelve  lectures,  on 
subjects  designated  by  the  committee,  two  on  each  subject,  was 
also  delivered  to  the  students,  as  follows  : 

Rev.  Talbot  W.  Chambers,  D.D.,  on  Inspiration. 

Rev.  William  Ormiston,  D.D.,  on  Miracles. 

Rev.  William  J.  R.  Taylor,  D.D.,  on  the  Person  of  Christ. 

Rev.  Hervey  D.  Ganse,  on  Sacrifice. 

Rev.  Rufus  W.  Clark,  D.D.,  on  Naturalism. 

Rev.  Abraham    B.   Van    Zandt,    D.D.,    on     Divine    Sov- 
ereignty and  Election. 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE.  141 

At  the  next  regular  meeting  of  the  Synod,  held  in  June, 
1872,  Rev.  Abraham  ]1  Van  Zandt,  D.D.,  Pastor  of  the 
church  of  Montgomery,  N.  Y.,  was  elected  Professor  of  Didac- 
tic and  Polemic  Theology.  He  was  inaugurated  Sept.  24,  1872. 
Rev.  Dr.  Joachim  Elmendorf  preached  the  sermon,  and  Rev. 
Dr.  Charles  H.  Stitt  delivered  the  charge  to  the  Professor. 

In  the  year  1873,  another  friend  of  the  Institutions  at  New 
Brunswick  appeared,  and  devised  liberal  things  for  their  benefit. 

Mr.  Nicholas  T.  Vedder,  of  the  city  of  Utica,  New  York,  in 
that  year  presented  to  the  General  Synod  $10,000  in  Rail  Road 
Bonds  for  the  establishment  of  an  annual  course  of  at  least 
five  Lectures  on  the  "  Present  Aspects  of  Modern  Infidelity, 
including  its  Cause  and  Cure,"  to  be  delivered  by  members  of 
the  Reformed  (Dutch)  Church  to  the  students  of  the  Seminary^ 
and  of  Rutgers  College.  The  lecturer  for  any  year  was 
to  be  chosen  by  ballot  by  the  General  Synod  at  its  stated  ses- 
sion, and  to  receive  for  his  compensation  the  income  received 
from  the  Fund  during  the  year.  Certain  conditions  were  made 
about  the  subsequent  publication  of  the  Lectures.  The  Synod 
accepted  the  gift,  with  the  conditions,  and  established  the 
"  Vedder  Lecture  on  Modern  Infidelity." 

The  following  have  been  the  Lecturers  and  their  topics : 

1874.  Rev.  Isaac  S.  Hartley,  D.D.,  of  Utica,  N.  Y.— "  Prayer 
and  its  Relation  to  Modern  Thought  and  Criticism." 

1875.  Prof.  Tayler  Lewis,  LL.D.,  L.H.D.,  of  Schenectady, 
N.  Y. — "The  Light  by  which  we  see  Light  ;  or,  Nature  and 
the  Scriptures." 

1876.  Rev.  Talbot  VV.  Chambers,  D.D.,  of  New  York  City. 
— "  The  Psalter,  a  Witness  to  the  Divine  Origin  of  the  Bible." 

1877.  Rev.  William  R.  Gordon,  D.D.,  of  Schraalenberg,  N.  J. 
— "  The  Science  of  Divine  Truth  Impregnable,  as  shown  by  the 
Argumentative  Failure  of  Infidelity  and  Theoretical  Geology." 

In  consequence  of  the  lamented  death  of  the  Rev.  David 
Inglis,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  the  Lecturer  for  1878,  no  Lecture  was 
delivered  that  year. 

In  consequence  of  the  declination  of  the  brethren  appointed, 
no  Lecture  was  delivered  in  the  years  1879,  ^8So,  1881. 

1882.  Rev.  William  Ormiston,  D.D.,  of  New  York  City.— "In 
spiration." 


142  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

1883.  Rev.  John  B.  Drury,  D.D.,  of  Ghent,  N.  Y.— "  Truths 
and  Untruths  of  Evolution." 

1884.  Rev.  CorneHus  Van  Santvoord,  D.D.,  of  Kingston, 
N.  Y.— "  The  Negations  of  Infidelity." 

The  Lectures  of  Drs.  Hartley,  Lewis,  Chambers,  Gordon 
and  Drury  have  been  published. 

Rev.  Wm.  H.  Campbell,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  of  New  Brunswick, 
N.  J.,  has  been  appointed  Lecturer  for  1885,  and  Rev.  George 
S.  Bishop,  D.D.,  of  East  Orange,  N.  J.,  for  the  year  1886. 

The  Rail  Road  Company,  whose  bonds  were  given  for  the 
establishment  of  this  Lecture  has,  unfortunately,  failed  to  pay 
interest  on  them  from  the  year  1875  until  the  present  time. 
The  Lecturers  have,  with  the  exception  of  Drs.  Hartley  and 
Lewis,  performed  their  work  without  pecuniary  compensation. 
It  is  due  to  the  members  of  the  Board  of  Direction  to  say,  that 
they  are  entirely  free  from  responsibility  for  the  loss,  for  Mr. 
Vedder  in  the  *'  Instrument  of  Gift "  enjoined  it  upon  the  Synod 
to  "  hold  these  Bonds  until  they  should  arrive  at  maturity." 

In  the  year  1878,  Prof.  Van  Zandt  was  seized  by  a  painful 
disease  which  necessitated  a  severe  surgical  operation.  He 
was  unable  for  many  weeks,  to  perform  the  duties  of  his  office, 
and  during  that  time  his  lectures  were  at  his  request,  read  to 
the  classes  by  Rev.  Dr.  T.  W.  Chambers. 

In  1879,  arrangements  were  made  by  the  Board  of  Superin- 
tendents for  a  Theological  Commencement,  to  be  held  at  the 
close  of  the  Seminary  year.  Such  Commencement  was  held 
in  1880,  and  has  been  every  following  year,  at  which  addresses 
have  been  delivered  by  members  of  the  graduating  class,  diplo- 
mas presented  by  a  member  of  the  Faculty  with  remarks,  and 
the  students  addressed  by  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Su- 
perintendents. 

Dr.  Van  Zandt  suffered  a  relapse  in  the  month  of  March, 
1 88 1,  and  never  after  performed  service.  His  colleagues  did 
what  they  could,  to  prepare  the  students  for  their  examina- 
tion in  the  studies  of  his  Department.  He  offered  his  resigna- 
tion to  the  General  Synod  in  June,  which  was  accepted,  and 
on  the  2ist,  of  July  he  died.  The  Synod,  in  accepting  his  res- 
ignation expressed  their  high  appreciation  of  his  services,  and 
tendered  him  their  sympathy. 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  143 

At  the  same  session,  Rev.  Chester  D,  Hartranft,  D.D.,  Pro- 
fessor in  the  Theological  Institute  at  Hartford,  Conn.,  was 
elected  Professor  in  the  room  of  Dr.  Van  Zandt.  Dr.  Har- 
tranft having  declined  the  call,  Rev.  William  V.  V.  Mabon, 
D.D.,  Pastor  of  the  Reformed  Church  of  New  Durham,  N.  J., 
was,  at  a  special  session  of  the  S>'nod,  held  in  Schenectady  in 
October,  1881,  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy.  He  was  inaugu- 
rated in  the  Second  Reformed  Church,  of  New  ]-?runswick,  on 
Tuesday,  Dec.  5th,  1S81,  Rev.  Isaac  S.  Hartley,  D.D.,of  Utica^ 
N.  Y.,  preaching  the  sermon,  and  Rev.  Wm.  Ormiston,  D.D., 
of  New  York  city,  delivering  the  charge  to  the  Professor. 
Professor  Woodbridge,  in  accordance  with  the  request  of  the 
Synod  had  meanwhile  instructed  the  Classes  in  Didactic  and 
Polemic  Theology. 

In  the  month  of  January,  1882,  Prof.  Woodbridge  was  pros- 
trated by  a  severe  and  protracted  illness,  and  was  unable  to 
perform  any  service  for  the  remainder  of  the  Seminary  year. 
His  work  was,  during  that  time,  performed  by  his  colleagues, 
and  his  health  having  been  mercifully  restored,  he  resumed  his 
duties  in  the  autumn. 

It  was  resolved,  by  the  Synod  of  1883,  that  the  "  oldest  Pro 
fessor  in  service  in  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Bruns- 
wick be  styled  Dean  of  the  Seminary,  and  to  him  shall  be  en- 
trusted the  discipline  of  the  Institution,  according  to  such 
regulations  as  may  be  agreed  upon  by  the  Faculty."  It  was 
also  resolved  that  the  Library,  as  well  as  the  building  contain- 
ing it,  should  be  called  the  Gardner  A.  Sage  Library. 

The  Professorial  residence  intended  for  the  Professor  of  Di- 
dactic and  Polemic  Theology  was  completed  in  the  month  of 
December,  1883. 

Prof.  De  Witt  having  represented  to  the  General  Synod  the 
great  need  of  help  in  the  Department  of  Biblical  Literature, 
an  arrangement  was  made  with  Rev.  Drs.  Corwin  and  Chambers 
to  render  such  help  during  the  coming  year.  Dr.  Corwin  assisted 
in  the  Hebrew  Language  and  Exegesis,  while  Dr.  Chambers 
lectured  to  the  various  classes  on  New  Testament  Exegesis. 
Their  work  was  performed  in  a  highly  satisfactory  manner, 
and  was  appreciated. 

The    Synod    of  1884,    convened    at    Grand    Rapids,   Mich., 


144  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

adopted  the  Programme  for  Centennial  Exercises  submitted 
by  the  Committee  ;  also  the  new  Curriculum  of  studies  re- 
ported, and  appointed  a  Committee  to  prepare  a  plan  for  a 
fourth  year  of  study. 

The  Century  was  well  rounded  out  and  closed  by  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  new  Professorship,  and  the  election  of  a  Profes- 
sor to  fill  it.  The  Professorship  was  named  the  Gardner  A. 
Sage  Professorship  of  Old  Testament  Languages  and  Ex- 
egesis, leaving  the  Professorship  now  held  by  Prof.  De  Witt  to 
embrace  Hellenistic  Greek,  and  New  Testament  Exegesis. 
To  the  new  Professorship,  Rev.  John  G.  Lansing,  Pastor  of  the 
Reformed  Church  of  West  Troy,  X.  Y.,  was  elected.  He  was 
inaugurated  in  the  First  Reformed  Church,  Sept.  23,  1884. 
Rev.  Dr.  David  Cole  preached  the  sermon  on  the  occasion,  and 
Rev.  Dr.  John  A.  De  Baun  deliv^ered  the  charge  to  the  Pro- 
fessor. 

In  closing  this  historic  review,  we  ask,  for  what  purpose  were 
these  long  continued,  persevering  efforts  made,  beginning  150 
years  ago,  and  continued  from  that  time  to  the  present  ?  It 
was  to  found,  endow  and  maintain  an  institution  for  the  edu- 
cation of  ministers  of  the  Word,  who  should  be  sound  in  the 
faith,  and  furnished  for  their  work  by  a  thorough  literar}-  and 
theological  training.  The  men  who  moved  in  this  matter  at 
the  first,  and  from  whom  it  has  been  passed  down  from  gener- 
ation to  generation,  sought  for  such  a  ministr}-  as  indispensa- 
ble for  the  continued  existence  and  welfare  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  Church,  in  which  they  had  been  born,  whose  doctrines,, 
worship  and  order  they  loved,  and  whose  usages  were  dear  to 
them.  The  prolonged  pathway  of  difficulties  they  patiently 
trod,  until  those  difficulties  having  one  after  another  been  re 
moved,  the  goal  was  reached.  Who  can  conceive  the  joy  of 
their  hearts  when  they  heard  Dr.  Livingston  deliver  his  inaug- 
ural, and  they  knew  that  they  were  not  dreaming,  but  were 
enjoying  the  actual  fulfilment  of  long  cherished  hopes ;  and 
how  the  whole  Church  must  have  rejoiced  on  learning  that  he 
was,  by  authority  of  the  Synod,  lecturing  on  Systematic  Div- 
inity in  New  York,  and  that  Dr.  Meyer  was  teaching  the  Orig- 
inal Languages  of  the  Scriptures  at  Pompton  Plains.  And  now 
student  after  student  placed  himself  under  the  instructions  of 


HISTORICAL   DISCOURSE.  I45 

these  men,  and  of  others  subsequently  appointed.  Duringthe 
25  )-ears  previous  to  tlic  h)cation  of  the  School  at  New  Bruns- 
wick, Professorial  Certificates  had  been  i^iven  to  about  90 young 
men.  And  since  that  time  more  than  700  have  been  connect- 
ed with  the  Institution.  With  very  few  exceptions,  these  have 
done,  or  arc  doing  good  service  for  Christ  and  his  Church, 
most  of  them  in  the  Reformed  (Dutch)  Church,  some  in  other 
denominations,  some  among  the  heathen. 

What  so  becoming  to  us,  from  the  review  of  the  hundred 
years  just  finished,  than  feelings  and  expressions  of  adoring 
wonder  and  gratitude  ?  We  have  seen  in  the  unique  intro- 
ductory history,  how  human  devices  were  brought  to  nou"-ht, 
how  human  passions  were  made  forces  for  good,  and  how  our 
fathers  were  led  by  a  way  that  they  knew  not.  Truly  may  we 
say,  *' Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us ;"  and  shall  we  not 
laud  and  magnify  His  great  and  holy  name? 

Let  us  then  to- day  with  all  our  hearts,  thank  God  for  the 
founding  and  continued  existence  of  this  Theological  School ; 
for  the  great  and  good  men  who  first  taught  in  it  ;  for  the  suc- 
cession of  able  and  godly  m^en  who  have  since  filled  the  various 
chairs ;  for  their  faithful  work  and  their  illustrious  examples  of 
self-sacrifice  and  devotion  ;  for  the  hundreds  of  faithful 
preachers  and  pastors  who  have  sat  at  their  feet,  and  have 
thence  gone  into  the  Gospel  vineyard,  and  done  noble  service 
for  the  Master  ^Vor  the  devoted  missionaries  who  went  to  far- 
distant  climes,  some  of  whom  have  been  called  to  a  higher 
service,  and  whose  memories  are  precious,  while  others  are  still 
bearing  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day^for  the  unexpected 
help  afforded  in  many  a  dark  hour  ;  for  the  loyalty  and  zeal 
and  self-sacrifice  of  the  fathers  ;  for  the  noble  liberality  of  those 
good  stewards,  who  in  these  latter  days  were  so  liberal  in  their 
benefactions,  and  so  interested  and  untiring  in  their  work,  and 
whom  God  called  home,  even  while  they  were  with  open  hands 
scattering  their  gifts  ;  for  the  increased  means  for  elificiency 
secured  by  their  benefactions  ;  for  the  fidelity  of  this  School, 
through  all  the  years  of  its  history,  to  the  truth  as  it  is  in 
Jesus;  for  its  unswerving  loyalty  to  Christ  and  adherence  to 
His  holy  Word  ;  and  for  results  that  we  can  neither  estimate  nor 
fully  know,  of  blessed  spiritual  influences  extending  far  and  wide, 
10 


146  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

helping  in  the  extension  and  establishment  of  the  Kingdom  of 
our  Lord,  in  the  bringing  of  thousands  of  souls  out  of  darkness 
into  light  here,  and  into  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  glory. 

And  what  of  the  future?  Would  it  not  be  strange  if  we 
were  unable  to  commit  that  to  Him  w!io  has  marvelously 
cared  for  this  School  thus  far,  and  who  is,  we  well  know,  able 
to  give  it  a  widening  and  increasing  influence,  down  through 
all  the  centuries,  as  long  as  the  world  shall  stand?  But,  while 
with  a  firm  faith  we  expect  the  Divine  guidance  and  help,  shall 
we  not  also  be  impressed  v/ith  a  profound  sense  of  the  solem- 
nity of  our  position,  and  of  the  responsibility  that  is  laid  upon 
us  ?  Shall  not  the  worthy  examples  of  those  who  have  gone 
before  us  be  followed  ?  Could  the  fathers  to  whom  this  School 
was  so  dear,  and  the  establishment  of  which  had  with  them 
precedence  in  Christian  work,  appear  among  us  to-day,  would 
they  do  nothing  more  than  join  with  us  in  our  Thanksgivings 
and  Hallelujahs  ?  Would  they  not  also  say  to  us,  and  to  all  the 
men  and  women  of  this  generation  in  our  churches,  "  Go  on 
and  fill  up  the  measure  of  what  is  still  lacking  ;  we  in  our 
day  did  what  we  could,  but  we  did  no  more  than  make  a  begin- 
ning; God  has  blessed  you  with  means  a  hundred  fold  more 
than  we  possessed,  and  why  should  this  School  lack  anything 
that  is  needed  for  its  full  efficiency  ?  "  When,  one  hundred  years 
ago,  Dr.  Livingston  was  elected  Professor,  who  believed  that 
the  end  had  been  reached?  And  now,  since  endowments  have 
been  raised,  and  additional  professorships  established,  and 
property  acquired,  buildings  erected,  and  books  collected,  who 
has  ever  thought,  who  now  thinks,  of  these  as  crowning  the 
work,  and  not  as  so  many  steps  of  progress  towards  an  end  yet 
to  be  attained  ?  The  noble  benefactors  who  have  lately  been 
removed  from  us  said,  again  and  again,  that  they  could  not 
finish  the  work,  but  must  leave  much  for  others  to  do,  and  that 
it  was  their  prayer  and  hope  that  God  would  raise  up  those 
who  should  take  it  up  where  they  must  leave  it,  and  carry  it  on. 

Brethren  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  to  you  this 
School  belongs.  Shall  it  not  have  your  sympathy,  prayers, 
help,  money,  sons,  for  the  glory  of  Christ,  and  the  establish- 
snent  in  all  the  earth,  of  the  kingdom  which  is  righteousness, 
peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost  ? 


THE    RELATION 

OF    THE 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 

AND 

RUTGERS   COLLEGE 

TO    EACH    OTHER. 

ADDRESS    BY 

Rev;  William  H.  Campbell,  D.D.,  LL.D, 

EX-PRESIDENT  OF  RUTGERS  COLLEGE. 


PBECEDEO  BY   BEMABES   OF 


Rev.  THOMAS  E.  VERMILYE.  D.D. 


PRAYER 

Bv  Rev.  William  Brush. 

Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  be  graciously  pleased  to  look 
upon  us  and  bless  us  in  this  our  assembling  together  at  this  morning 
hour.  We  adore  Thee  in  all  Thy  glorious  perfections  as  they  shine 
forth  in  the  works  of  Thy  hand,  and  in  the  volume  of  Thy  Book.  All 
Thy  works  praise  Thee,  O  Lord  ;  but  especially  are  we,  Thine  intelligent 
creatures,  formed  in  Thine  own  glorious  image,  called  to  the  work  of 
praise.  We  adore  Thee  as  the  God  of  salvation,  having  provided  it  in 
the  person  of  Thy  dear  Son.  Thou  didst  so  love  the  world  as  to  give 
Thine  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  Him  might  not 
perish,  but  have  everlasting  life ;  and  in  this  Thou  hast  commended 
Thy  love  to  us,  that  while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.  We 
adore  the  riches  of  Thy  grace  flowing  to  us  through  the  channels  of 
divine  love  by  Jesus  Christ,  Thy  Son,  who  was  delivered  for  our  offences, 
and  raised  again  for  our  justification,  and  who  now  is  seated  at  Thy 
right  hand,  ever  interceding  for  His  people.  We  adore  Thee,  that  by 
His  own  blood  He  has  purchased  the  Church  of  the  living  God,  and  by 
His  Spirit  and  His  Word  is  now  gathering  that  Church  to  himself  out 
of  the  world  unto  the  praise  and  glory  of  divine  grace.  We  adore  Thee, 
O  our  God,  for  the  visible  organization  of  Thy  Church  in  the  world,  and 
for  the  ordinances  which  distinguish  it  from  all  the  institutions  of  the 
men  of  the  world.  We  bless  Thee  that  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  through  these 
ordinances  in  the  Church,  Thou  hast  brought  us  to  a  participation  in 
Thy  saving  grace,  and  a  well-grounded  hope  of  eternal  life  and  glory. 
We  thank  Thee  that  Thou  hast  given  us  our  being  within  the  pale  of 
the  visible  Church.  The  lines  truly  have  fallen  to  us  in  pleasant  places, 
and  we  have  a  goodly  heritage.  We  thank  Thee  for  that  branch  of  the 
Church  with  which  we  more  immediately  stand  connected  ;  for  her 
noble  testimony  for  the  truth  of  God's  Word,  and  the  doctrines  of 
divine  grace ;  and  for  her  signal  and  glorious  progress  in  the  earth. 
But  especially,  on  this  most  interesting  occasion,  would  we  remember 
"  the  good  hand  of  our  God  upon  us  "  in  the  progress  and  in  the  en- 
largement of  our  beloved  Zion,  through  her  Institutions  of  literary  and 
theological  learning,  founded  in  the  wisdom,  the  prayers  and  the  liberal- 
ity of  our  pious  and  enlightened  ancestors.  We  bless  Thee  for  their 
testimony,  that  in  establishing  the  College  they  gave  preference  to  re- 
ligion and  to  the  Church  ;  and  that,  while  they  sought  the  education  of 
our  youth  in  the   learned  languages,  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  they  had 


150  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

especial  reference  to  the  Church  of  God,  to  secure  for  her  an  able  min- 
istry. And  to-day  do  we  rejoice  and  give  Thee  most  hearty  thanks  for 
the  many  learned  and  devoted  men  whom,  from  time  to  time,  Thou  hast 
called  to  preside  over  these  Institutions  of  the  Church  ;  and  we  pray 
Thee  that  thou  wilt  grant  unto  those  who  still  survive,  a  double  portion 
of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  they  may  be  ready  not  only  to  teach  the  youth 
in  the  various  branches  of  knowledge,  but  also  to  lead  their  minds  and 
hearts  into  the  knowledge  of  Thyself  and  Jesus  Christ,  Thy  Son.  We 
affectionately  remember  this  day  those  who  have  gone  to  minister  in 
the  upper  sanctuary,  and  ever  while  we  survive  will  we  call  them 
blessed.  We  thank  Thee,  too,  O  our  God,  for  the  great  number  of  de- 
voted servants  of  Christ  who  have  come  forth  from  this  School  of 
the  Prophets,  who  have  been  able  defenders  of  the  truth  and  fearless 
advocates  of  the  great  doctrines  of  grace,  and  who  have  proved  faithful 
ministers  of  Jesus  Christ.  And  now,  O  Thou  God  of  our  fathers  and  our 
God,  as  we  are  thankful  for  the  past  and  call  to  remembrance  all  the 
great  things  that  Thou  hast  done  for  us,  help  us,  we  pray  Thee,  unitedly 
and  devoutly  here  to  erect  our  Centennial  Ebenezer,  inscribing  upon  it 
"  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us."  And  grant  us  a  deep  and  abiding 
sense  of  our  dependence  upon  Thee  for  the  future  of  our  Church  and 
our  Institutions  of  learning.  And  do  Thou  in  tender  mercy,  to-day  and 
henceforth,  grant  us  Thy  blessing,  through  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son,  our 
Redeemer,  to  whom,  with  Thee,  O  Father,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  present 
and  everlasting  praises.     Amen. 


REMARKS 

By  Rev.  Thomas  E.  Vermilye,  D.D.,  LL.D. 

I  hope  I  shall  not  be  thought  to  trespass  if  I  avail  myself  of 
the  opportunit)'  to  offer  my  thanks  to  the  Committee  of  ar- 
rangements for  their  kindness  in  inviting  me  to  be  present,  and 
to  preside  at  this  service,  and  also  of  expressing  my  gratitude 
that  I  am  able  to  accept  their  invitation.  Although  I  am  not 
an  alumnus  of  this  Seminary,  I  am  not  by  any  means  indif- 
ferent to  its  good  name  and  its  prosperity.  My  infancy  was 
familiar  with  the  worship  of  the  Dutch  Church,  and  nearly 
half  a  century  in  its  ministry  must  naturally  have  imbued  me 
with  its  spirit,  and  nourished  within  me  a  deep  interest  in  the 
well-being  of  all  its  Institutions.  I  recollect  in  my  early  boy- 
hood being  taken  by  the  hand  by  my  father  to  the  old  Middle 
Church,  in  New  York,  where  it  had  been  announced  that  Dr. 
Livingston,  the  first  Professor,  was  to  preach.  In  extreme 
age,  he  sat  in  the  pulpit,  and  there  uttered  to  the  great  con- 
gregation the  words  of  parental  instruction,  the  last  in  that 
pulpit,  and  I  suppose  the  last  sermon  he  ever  preached.  The 
whole  scene  is  photographed  upon  my  memory,  and  I  dis- 
tinctly recollect  the  appearance  of  the  venerable  old  man  just 
as  his  features  are  represented  in  the  portraits  which  remain  of 
him.  Well,  too,  do  I  remember  the  devout  Milledoler,  the 
stately  Cannon,  Woodhull,  the  sharp  McClelland,  and  their 
successors,  Ludlow  and  Van  Vranken,  of  the  past,  who  "served 
their  generation  by  the  will  of  God,  and  are  fallen  on  sleep." 
Yet  their  memorial  remains  fresh  and  pure,  nor  have  their 
works  perished.  Rather,  like  the  healthful  plant,  we  see  them 
grown  and  increased,  and  still  bearing  precious  fruit. 

It  is  to  be  ever  held  as  the  high  honor  of  this  Seminary  that 
it  has  most  religiously  maintained  the  faith  from  of  old  deliv^- 
ered  to  the  saints.  So  far  as  m)'  knowledge  goes,  and  I  think 
I  am  pretty  well  informed  on  the  subject,  the  Professors  of 
this   Seminary  have  always  held  fast  to  the  creed   they  are 


153  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

sworn  to  uphold.     It  is  explicit  and  well  defined.     And  what 
they  avowed  as   their   conviction   of  Gospel  truth,  that  they 
have    ever    conscientiously  taught      No   uncertain  sound   has 
gone  forth,  none  now  goes  forth  from  its  walls.     The  Church 
we  love  holds  the  old  truths  we  love,  nor  would  it  tolerate  other 
teaching.     And,  my  friends,  I  feel  more  and   more   deeply  in- 
terested in  this  matter,  as  time  and  reflection  make  me   more 
clearly  to  mark  the  agitation  and  confusion  and   unsettling  of 
old  foundations,  which  prevail  in  the  Scientific  and  Theological 
learning,  so  called,  of  the  present  day.      Much  that  seems  new 
is  unproved,  and  it  is  by  no  means  all  new.     In  many  instances 
it  is  merely  the  revival  of  speculations  and  heresies,  dressed  in 
modern  terminology,  but  old  in  substance  and  long  since  exam- 
ined with  conscientious  intelligence,  and  long  ago  exploded.    A 
great  deal  of  this  excitement  and  dust  is  but   the  re-threshing 
of  thrice  and  four-times  beaten  chaff.     Nor  need  we  fear  that 
the  Ark  is  really  in  danger,  or   that  the  Divine  Word  will  per- 
ish, and  the  Son  of  Man,  at  length,  find  no  faith  in  the  earth. 
When   the  inventions  and  discoveries  of  ambitious  and   self- 
reliant  Scientists  and  Theologues  shall  have  had  their  day,  the 
old  Bible  will  appear  riding  safely  on  the  billows  of  time ;  the 
Church  of  Christ  will  remain  more  stable  from  the  conflict.   The 
Church  of  the   future,  of  which  we  hear  so   much  vapid   pro- 
phecy, will  be  the  same  in  substance  of  doctrine  as  the  Church  of 
the  present  and  of  the  past,  "built  upon  the  foundation  of  the 
Apostles  and    Prophets,  Jesus   Christ  himself  being  the   chief 
corner-stone."     I  have  not  a  particle  of  misgiving  on  this  sub- 
ject.    The    great    truths    of  the    absolute    inspiration    of  the 
Scriptures,  from  beginning  to  end,  and  the  divinity  and   infal- 
libility of  their  teaching  ;  the   doctrines  of  human  depravity  ; 
sin  total  and   universal ;  the  sanctity  of  the   divine  laws ;  the 
great  mediatorial  scheme  by  which  alone  sin  may  be  expiated, 
by  which  "  grace  (unmerited  favor)  reigns  through  righteous- 
ness unto  eternal  life  by  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,"  and    faith  in 
his    atonement    the    instrument  ;    regeneration    by    the    Holy 
Spirit,  and    holy   living — these  and    their  cognate   truths  are 
artkiili  stantis  vcl  cadentis  Ecclesice.     And  should  the   Church 
ever  drift   from   its  moorings,  letting  go  the  sheet   anchor  of 
its  faith  and  hope,  these  again  must  be  the  doctrines  by  which 


REMARKS.  153 

it  will  be  recovered — articiili  renovatoe  Ecclesice.  These  doc- 
trines, formulated  from  the  Holy  Scriptures  by  the  Reformers, 
profoundly  learned  and  eminently  wise,  are  the  creed  of  this 
Seminary  and  of  our  Church.  Nor  has  any  one  of  its  teachers 
had  occasion  to  refine,  or  explain,  or  criticise  away  the  plain 
meaning  of  words,  in  order  to  bring  his  beliefs  and  teachings  into 
apparent  harmony  with  his  declared  faith.  May  the  day  never 
come  when  Professors,  or  those  in  authority  over  this  Institu- 
tion, shall  doubt  or  waver  in  regard  to  any  single  one  of  these 
grand  fundamental  verities.  They  form  the  life  of  individual 
piety,  the  life  and  soul  of  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ  ;  and  at 
the  risk  of  becoming  the  scorn  of  sciolists,  we  do,  and  with  di- 
vine help  we  will,  maintain  a  Bible  faith, 

So  it  has  been  through  the  hundred  years  of  its  past  life 
with  our  Seminary,  and  our  prayer  and  hope  is,  that  when 
another  century  shall  have  run  its  course,  from  this  fountain 
may  continue  to  flow  streams  of  living  water,  refreshing  the 
souls  of  saints,  making  glad  the  City  of  our  God. 

I  have  great  pleasure  in  introducing  to  this  audience,  (though 
really  he  needs  less  introduction  in  this  place  than  I  do  my- 
self,) my  much  esteemed  friend.  Dr.  Campbell,  esteemed  not 
only  by  me,  but  by  all  who  know  him  best,  and  than  whom  no 
one  is  better  qualified  to  speak  on  the  subject  assigned  him. 


THE  RELATION   OF  THE 
SEMINARYTOTHE  COLLEGE. 

I  am  to  speak  to  you  on  the  relation  of  the  Theological 
Seminary  and  Rutgers  College  to  each  other. 

I.  The  fathers  of  our  Church,  divinely  guided,  early  felt  the 
need  of  a  School  of  the  Prophets,  where  the  sons  of  the  Church 
might  be  fitted  to  become  the  ministers  of  the  Word.  Their 
thoughts  and  desires  were  embodied  in  the  word  Co//^ge,  which 
in  their  purpose  meant  an  Institution,  where  all  that  was 
needed  for  the  training  of  the  sons  of  the  Church  for  the  ser- 
vice of  the  Church  was  to  be  afforded.  They  meant  to  found, 
if  God  would  smile  upon  their  effort,  a  School  for  the  impart- 
ing of  a  thorough  Christian  education — an  education  Chris- 
tian always,  everywhere.  A  School  where  the  Word  of  God — 
the  whole  Bible — would  be  always  acknowledged,  loved,  and 
obeyed  as  the  Heavenly  Father's  words  of  guidance  and  com- 
fort to  his  loving  children.  This  was  the  first  step,  God-hon- 
oring, God-loving,  God-serving,  in  the  thought  and  purpose  of 
the  fathers. 

2.  The  second  step  was  like  unto  the  first.  It  was  this;  to 
have  the  youth,  designed  for  the  learned  professions  and  the 
higher  pursuits  of  learning,  educated  together ;  the  studies  to 
be  pursued  together  until  the  point  of  divergence  was  reached, 
where  the  specialties  of  the  particular  profession  came  in,  and 
would  henceforth  need  exclusive  attention.  Now,  up  to  this 
point  the  line  of  study  would  be  in  great  part  the  same,  and 
for  two  reasons : 

(a)  To  lay  a  solid  foundation  for  the  subsequent  study  of 
the  specialty.  Such  a  uniform,  solid  foundation  is  imperative 
for  all  the  professions  and  higher  pursuits  of  learning. 

{d)  To  keep,  as  long  as  possible,  and  never  relax  till  the 
last  and  the  longest  possibly  delayed  moment,  the  hold  on  the 
youth  with  a  view  to  their  moral  and  religious  training.     This 


156  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

was  the  point  of  points.  The  fathers  thought,  and  correctly 
too,  that  under  such  training  and  God's  blessing,  the  youth 
would  be  renewed  and  sanctified,  and  very  many  of  them 
would  become  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and  all  of  them  intel- 
ligent and  st.eadfast  Christians. 

3.  The  third  step  harmonized  with  the  two  already  named. 
The  Theological  Professors  took  part  in  the  training  of  the 
undergraduates  from  1825,  the  year  of  the  revival  of  the  Col- 
lege. The  poverty  of  the  College  rendered  this  voluntary, 
gratuitous  service  of  the  Theological  Professors  absolutely 
necessary  for  the  continuance  of  the  exercises  of  the  College. 
The  value  of  these  gratuitous  services  man  cannot  estimate. 
No  one  who  knows  the  past  history  of  our  Institutions  will  be 
slow  in  afifirming  that  our  College  enjoyed  an  unspeakable 
blessing  when  Drs.  Milledoler,  De  Witt,  Cannon,  Van  Vranken, 
Ludlow  and  Woodbridge  taught  within  its  walls. 

4.  The  fourth  and  last  step,  which  I  will  name,  is  in  entire 
harmony  with  the  three  already  mentioned.  The  thoughts 
and  purposes  of  the  fathers  have  been  more  than  realized. 

Out  of  the  College,  using  the  word  in  the  sense  of  the  fathers, 
have  come  two  separate  Institutions,  prosperous  beyond  all 
the  hopes  of  the  fathers.  And  yet  in  that  prosperity  the 
original  and  governing  thought  of  the  fathers  rules  to-day. 
These  two  Institutions,  now  grown  so  large  and  seemingly  so 
separate,  are  one — indissolubly  one.  One  in  the  purposing 
mind — the  Reformed  Church  ;  one  in  the  purpose  to  glorify 
God  by  training  the  sons  of  the  Church  ;  some  trained  for  all 
the  departments  of  life  needing  intelligent  labor,  and  many, 
and  these  an  ever-augmenting  number,  to  go  from  the  Col- 
lege to  the  Theological  Seminary,  and  there  to  be  trained  for 
the  highest  work  which  man  or  angel  can  aspire  unto — to 
preach  the  everlasting  Gospel  to  every  creature  under  heaven. 

Thus,  in  the  grateful  remembrance  of  the  past  and  an  abiding 
hope  of  the  future,  our  Theological  Seminary  and  College  will 
steadfastly  carry  out  the  purpose  of  the  fathers  to  educate  the 
sons  of  the  Church  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  the 
world. 

On  this  day  of  grateful  remembrance,  there  seem  abundant 
reasons  for  especial  thankfulness,  that  the  Reformed  Church  in 


RELATION  OF  THE  SEMINARY  TO  THE  COLLEGE.  157 

America  had  godly  men  for  its  founders,  men  who  loved  the 
doctrines  of  the  Reformation,  in  the  defence  of  which  all  their 
fathers  had  suffered,  and  many.of  them  had  died.  These  truths, 
handed  down  to  them  by  their  persecuted  ancestors,  possessed 
the  whole  soul  of  the  founders  of  our  Church  in  these  United 
States.  And  they  felt  that  no  sacrifice  would  be  too  great  to 
perpetuate  and  disseminate  these  truths  which  Christ  had 
taught,  and  for  which  the  fathers  had  died.  Under  God's 
blessing  they  resolved  that  this  perpetuation  and  dissemina- 
tion of  the  truths  of  the  Reformation  should  be  effected  by 
their  sons  trained  in  our  College.  For  this  they  prayed,  pur- 
posed, toiled,  and  gave  freely  of  the  little  which  God  had  given 
to  them. 

And  now  with  a  varied  history  of  joy  and  sorrow,  hope  and 
fear,  the  children  come  to  the  Centennial  day.  And  now  our 
duty — say  ra.ther  our  privilege — is  as  plain  as  the  day  : 

1.  Each  one  of  the  children  of  the  Church  should  be  able 
truthfully  to  say  of  our  College  and  Theological  Seminary 
viewed  as  one  in  the  purpose  of  the  fathers, 

"  For  her  my  tears  shall  fall, 
For  her  my  prayers  ascend, 
To  her  my  cares  and  toils  be  given, 
Till  toils  and  cares  shall  end." 

They  should  be  ever  on  our  hearts,  and  we  should  carry 
them  constantly  to  the  throne  of  Grace,  whence  cometh  all  our 
help. 

2.  On  this  Centennial  day,  we  should  consecrate  anew  our- 
selves and  our  children  to  the  Lord.  We  should  educate  our 
children  for  the  service  of  the  Lord,  saying  as  we  do  so,  here 
are  we  and  our  children,  use  us  anci  use  them  as  Thou  wilt  for 
Thine  honor.  We  and  ours  are  Thine  to  be  used  for  Thy  glory. 

3.  Let  these  Institutions  never  again  have  an  unsupplied 
need.  Let  us  pour  our  gifts  into  their  treasuries,  until  their 
guardians  cry  to  us — Hold,  it  is  enough.  And  on  this,  the  Cen- 
tennial day  of  the  Seminary,  the  whole  thought  should  be 
directed  to  the  full  endowment  of  the  School  of  the  Prophets. 
God  speed  the  good  work. 


IN  FLUENCE 

OF    THE 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 

ON  THE 

DENOMINATIONAL  LIFE 

OF  THE  CHURCH. 

ADDRESS 

BY   THE 

Rev,  William  J.  R,  Taylor,  D.D, 

OF 

NEWARK,  N.  J. 


INFLUENCE 

ON 

DENOMINATIONAL    LIFE. 

The  Denominational  Life  of  the  Church  is  its  own  proper 
Home  Life — the  life  that  is  represented  by  its  name,  its  history, 
its  character  and  its  work.  As  the  value  of  coins  is  indicated 
by  their  quantity  and  quality,  symbols  and  legends,  so  the 
peculiar  denominational  features  of  the  Church  express  its  cur- 
rent worth. 

By  the  grace  of  God,  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  Amer- 
ica has  a  unique,  historic,  continuous,  healthy,  vigorous  and 
honorable  family  life,  which  is  dear  to  herself,  respected  by 
other  churches,  and  loyal  to  Christ.  It  has  been  a  separate 
life,  indeed  ;  denominational,  but  not  sectarian  ;  a  hfe  of  uniform 
good  fellowship  with  our  neighbors,  and  yet  distinctive  enough 
in  its  sources  and  its  outflow  to  justify  the  kindly  clanship. 
Our  altar  fires  have  fused  the  original  Dutch  and  Huguenot 
elements  with  those  that  have  since  come  to  us  "  of  their  own 
sweet  will,"  until  this  Church,  like  our  country,  has  become 
distinctively  American.  Yet,  as  in  the  composite  architecture 
of  some  vast  cathedral,  the  separate  orders  are  carefully  pre- 
served in  harmony  with  each  other,  our  Church  life  retains  its 
normal  features,  and  blends  the  color,  form  and  strength  of 
every  living  stone  in  that  one  ever  growing  holy  temple, 
"whose  builder  and  maker  is  God."  With  this  preface  let  us 
now  consider : 

THE   INFLUENCE  OF  THE   THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  UPON  THE 
DENOMINATIONAL   LIFE    OF  THE   CHURCH.* 
What  has  been  its  influence  during  the  past  one  hundred 
years?     What  shall  its  influence  be  in  its  second  century?     In 

*  I  use  the  word  "  denominational "  in  its   best  sense,  as,  I   suppose,  it   was  in- 
tended by   the    Committee  who  assigned  the  subject  ;   although  at  best  it  is  a  poor 
word  by  which  to  designate  a  Cliurch  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
11 


162  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

reply  to  these  questions,  I  can  only  suggest  a  few  conclusions 
from  our  historic  records. 

1.  The  Seminary  is  an  Indicator  of  the  Denominational  Life 
of  the  Church.  It  is  a  tell-tale  of  the  fidelity  of  the  watchmen 
on  the  walls  through  the  whole  century  of  its  existence.  It  in- 
dicates the  spiritual  temperature,  the  storms  and  sunshine  of 
its  changing  seasons.  It  measures  the  spirit  of  pious  con- 
secration prevailing  in  the  churches.  It  registers  the  high  and 
the  low  water  marks  of  their  missionary  zeal.  It  records  the 
working  of  the  law  of  supply  and  demand  in  the  ministry.  It 
speaks  of  the  attachment  of  our  people  to  the  theology  taught 
here,  and  the  measure  of  their  prayers,  faith  and  gifts  for  the  pros- 
perity of  the  Institution.     But  it  is  not  merely  an  indicator,  for 

2.  The  Seminary  has  an  organic  relation  to  the  denomina- 
tional life  of  the  Church.  It  is  not  a  limb  of  the  body  which  may 
be  cut  off  if  necessary.  It  is  a  vital  organ,  the  loss  of  which 
would  be  death.  This  Church  would  have  died  out  as  a  sepa- 
rate ecclesiastical  body,  had  it  not  been  for  the  establishment  of 
the  Seminary  at  that  critical  juncture  when  the  Articles  of 
Union  closed  the  self-destructive  strifes  of  the  Coetus  and  Con- 
ferentie  parties.  Dr.  Livingston  and  his  co-workers  foresaw 
this,  and  wisely  adapting  themselves  to  the  situation,  they 
founded  the  Theological  Seminary,  which  is  the  monument  and 
shrine  of  the  peace  that  has  never  since  been  broken.  From 
that  time  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  took  on  a  new  life. 
Her  independence  of  the  Church  in  Holland  was  coeval  with 
the  independence  of  the  United  States  of  America  ;  and  from 
the  little  germ  that  was  then  started,  has  grown  this  century 
plant,  whose  bloom  and  hardiness  foreshow  a  longer  and  more 
fruitful  life. 

The  Seminary  has  provided  a  perennial  supply  of  well- 
trained  and  godly  ministers  to  the  Church.  They  have  loved 
the  truth,  and  preached  and  defended  it  with  power  and  suc- 
cess. They  have  "  kept  the  faith  ;  "  they  have  not  been  se- 
duced by  "  the  wiles  of  the  adversary,"  nor  "  carried  away  by 
•every  wind  of  doctrine  "  that  has  blown  over  the  land.  The 
orthodoxy  of  the  Seminary  has  never  been  impeached,  and 
^ts  teachings  have  been  free  of  the  vagaries  of  eccentric 
theorists,  and  of  disguised  or  open  heretics.     If  our  Seminary 


DENOMINATIONAL   LIFE.  1G3 

has  not  been  in  the  aggressive  front  of  the  battles  of  the   cen- 
tury for  the  faith,  it  has  held  the  Fort  that  is  still  in  its  loyal 
care.     If  it  has  not  had  the   prestige  of  large   numbers,  it  has 
graduated  hundreds  of  accomplished  and  faithful   captains   of 
the  Lord's  host,  who  never  turned  their  backs  to  the  enemy. 
If  it  has  not  been  conspicuous  for   its  contributions   to   Theo- 
logical Science  and  Literature  in  former  times,  it  has  furnished 
within    the   present   score    of  years,    some  Biblical  exegetes, 
critics,  translators  and  revisers  of  our  English  Bible,  who  rank 
with  the  foremost  of  their  class.     While  its  alumni  fill  its  own 
chairs,  with  honor  to  themselves  and  to  the  Institution,  it  has 
given  two  of  its  choicest  and  best  to  a  sister  Seminary,*  which 
is  represented  here  to-day  ;  and  to  many  of  the  Churches   of 
other  Communions  it  has  sent  men  who  are  eloquent  of  speech 
and  mighty  in  the  Scriptures.    It  gave  our  first  American  Mis- 
sionary to  China,  in  the  person  of  David  Abeel — leader  of  a 
noble  band  ;  its  sons  were  among  the  first  and  foremost  to  take 
the  Gospel  to  Japan  ;  and  India  has  no  more  effective  Christian 
laborers  than  those  of  the  Arcot  mission.    These  facts  represent 
only  the  general  influence  of  the  Seminary  upon  the  denomina- 
tional life  of  the  Church,  from  its  fountain  in  the  heart  to  its 
farthest  outflow  in  the  members,  and  its  incidental   effects  in 
and  upon  other  Churches. 

3.  The  Seminary  has  been  the  source  of  genuine  Home 
Feeling  in  the  Church.  The  elements  of  this  Home  feeling  are 
not  merely  ancestral  and  national.  They  are  also  the  results 
of  training  in  the  atmosphere  and  environments  of  the  family 
life.  To  all  natural  and  hereditary  tics  must  be  added  the 
family  love  for  its  altar  fires,  the  baptismal  grace  of  a  covenant- 
keeping  God,  the  fulfilment  of  His  covenant  promises  to  the 
parents  and  their  children,  the  thrill  and  force  of  parental  and 
filial  piety  descending  from  one  generation  to  another,  the 
apostolical  succession  of  godly  ministers,  who  have  transmitted 
to  us  intact  our  goodly  heritage,  and  the  training  of  our  chil- 
dren and  youth  in  the  doctrines  of  the  Word  of  God  and  love 
of  the  Church  that  holds  forth  the  Word  of  Life. 

This  Home  feeling  is  not  in  the  least  degree  unfriendly  to 
other  families  of  the  City  of  God.     We  have  no  quarrel  with 

•  Rev.  Drs.  Riddle  and  Hartranft,  of  the  Hartford  Theological  Institute. 


164  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

any  who  choose  to  dwell,  as  we  do,  among  their  own  people. 
We  "have  not  robbed  other  Churches,"  but  nearly  one-half 
of  our  ministry,  and  probably  more  than  half  of  the  accessions 
to  our  communion  in  the  last  twenty  or  thirty  years,  have  vol- 
untarily come  to  us  from  other  folds,  bringing  their  treasures 
with  them.  And  we  know  no  difference  between  the  adopted 
and  the  home-born  children  of  our  mother  Church. 

Like  intermarriages  among  friends  and  neighbors,  this  wed- 
ding of  the  Churches  to  each  other  enlarges  the  family  circle 
and  strengthens  the  Home  feeling,  by  creating  new  ties  and 
new  centres  of  attraction  and  influence.  It  would  be  un- 
natural, indeed,  were  not  the  Seminary  the  nursery  of  this  do- 
mestic spirit,  and  did  not  its  sons  carry  with  them  into  their 
pastorates  an  ardent  filial  love  for  the  v/hole  Church,  whose 
ministers  they  are  by  education,  by  preference,  and  by  the 
grace  of  God.  It  has  been  well  said  that  "  a  Church,  like  a 
family,  when  it  loses  the  family  bond,  becomes  a  rope  of 
sand." 

From  its  beginning  to  this  day,  from  the  patriarchal  majesty 
and  love  of  the  great  hearted  Father  of  the  Seminary,  down  to 
the  learned  and  enthusiastic  inaugural  of  the  youthful  in- 
cumbent of  the  new  Chair,  there  has  been  no  failure  in  the 
manifestation  of  this  Home  feeling  by  the  Professors  of  the 
Seminary.  May  the  love  and  the  liberality  that  have  made  the 
Institution  so  good  a  Home  for  its  students,  be  the  presage  of 
that  broader,  deeper,  Christ-like  love,  which  every  man  of  them 
shall  take  with  him  into  the  church,  of  which  the  Chief  Shep- 
herd and  Bishop  of  the  Flock  shall  make  him  overseer. 

4.  TJie  Seminary  has  developed  and  stimulated  the  spirit- 
ual life  of  the  Church.  It  is  the  child  of  the  Church,  and 
never  has  it  been  a  neglected  child.  It  has  been  the  unceas- 
ing object  of  the  prayers,  the  faith,  the  liberality,  and  of  the 
pious  consecration  of  the  Church  to  its  interests.  It  has  been 
sustained,  even  in  the  darkest  times,  by  the  grace  of  God  in 
the  hearts  of  his  people.  Its  endowments,  grounds,  buildings 
and  library  are  the  gifts  of  the  poor,  the  competent  and  the 
rich  ; — of  ministers  out  of  their  small  salaries  ;  of  "  elect  ladies  " 
out  of  their  abundance,  and  of  princely  benefactors,  whose 
hearts    found    here    the   best  investment  of  their  wealth.     I 


DENOMINATIONAL   LIFE.  165 

verily  believe  that  this  Seminary  has  called  forth  more  prayer 
and  active  faith  and  individual  generosity  than  any  other  in- 
stitution of  the  Church.  Moreover,  it  has  been  her  perpetual 
reminder  of  the  Great  Commission,  and  of  the  necessity  of 
prayer  for  laborers  for  the  white  harvest  fields  of  the  world. 
Through  the  ministry  of  its  sons,  it  has  never  ceased  its  per- 
sonal and  of^cial  supplies  to  the  spiritual  life  of  the  Church. 
Its  teachings  have  set  forth  Christian  doctrine  as  thef  ood  of 
Christian  life.  Its  pulpit  power  has  been  applied  to  the  ad- 
vocacy and  defence  of  the  gospel,  against  all  "  enemies  of  the 
cross  of  Christ,"  and  with  direct  adaptation  to  the  needs  of  the 
people.  It  has  given  to  the  Church  many  shining  examples 
of  ministerial  character  and  service.  Its  professorial  chairs  have 
been  filled  by  men  of  God,  whose  dignity,  eloquence  and  devo- 
tion to  the  Church  are  their  best  memorials. 

Its  Theology  is  literally  and  essentially  the  same  as  it  was  in 
the  beginning.  The  new  Curriculum  of  studies  prescribed  by 
the  last  General  Synod  will  widen  the  range  and  elevate  the 
standard  of  its  educational  system.  It  provides  for  progress  in 
methods,  and  for  the  largest  results  of  the  higher  constructive 
criticism ;  and  it  insures  scholastic  liberty  within  the  limits  of 
the  Standards  of  Doctrine.  But  those  Standards,  gleaming  in 
the  sun-light  of  the  Inspired  Word,  and  bearing  the  symbols  of 
the  "  Churches  Sitting  under  the  Cross,"  for  which  their  one 
hundred  thousand  martyrs  died,  will  not  be  lowered  to  any 
"''  Banner  with  a  strange  device  "  of  the  "  New  Theology  "  of 
to-day  or  to-morrow.  Our  whole  scheme  of  doctrine,  our  his- 
tory and  the  spiritual  life  of  the  Church,  are  firmly  set  against 
every  phase  of  that  Rationalism  which  has  well  nigh  emptied 
the  Protestant  Churches  of  Germany,  and  almost  driven  Cal- 
vinism out  of  Calvin's  City,  and  unsettled  the  foundations  of 
the  Mother  Church  in  Holland,  and  made  the  Heidelberg 
Catechism  as  a  stranger  in  the  city  whose  name  it  bears. 
Against  this  modern  '■^  Zeit  Geist  " — the  Time  Spirit  of  the  age — 
this  Seminary  stands  with  open  doors  to  all  who  will  abide 
under  her  venerated  banners ;  but  over  those  open  doors, 
guarded  by  the  Canons  of  Dordrecht,  the  Spirit  of  the  Re- 
formed Church  in  America  has  written  "  No  room  for  trim- 
mers nor  for  traitors  here  !" 


166  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Do  not  misunderstand  me,  nor  twist  this  declaration  into  a 
protest  against  learning  and  science  and  advancement  in  theo- 
logical and  biblical  culture.  We  are  not  Agnostics — we 
know  whom  we  have  believed  ;  we  are  not  Pessimists — we  da 
not  believe,  nay,  we  know,  that  everybody  and  every  thing  are 
not  going  to  destruction  and  perdition  ;  we  are  not  Ecclesias- 
tical Cynics,  sneering  at  the  virtue  of  others,  and  unchurching  all 
who  do  not  speak  our  Shibboleth.  We  do  not  live  in  the  past. 
We  do  not  worship  it  ;  but  we  do  not  ignore  its  teachings.  If,. 
like  the  Hollanders,  we  have  built  and  do  sacredly  guard  the 
dikes  to  keep  out  the  sea,  those  very  dikes  have  their  locks 
and  gateways  for  free  commerce  with  the  whole  round  world. 
But  here,  as  there,  "  eternal  vigilance  is  the  price  of  liberty" — 
the  liberty  of  self-preservation  from  the  floods  of  unbelief;  "  the 
glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God,"  to  serve  Him  with 
good  conscience,  "  keeping  the  faith,  once  delivered  to  the 
saints."     So  much  for  the  past. 

5.  What  of  the  Future?  That  depends,  under  God,  upon 
the  fidelity  of  the  Seminary  and  of  the  Church  to  the  faith,, 
and  upon  their  manifestation  of  the  spiritual  life  that  gave 
them  birth.  Suppose  that  some  malign  change  should  come 
over  its  Faculty  and  students,  such  as  has  revolutionized  other 
institutions  in  Europe  and  America: — how  long  would  it  take 
to  turn  the  currents  of  the  Church  in  the  same  direction  ?  A 
few  classes  of  infected  graduates  could  spread  the  plague  into 
the  whole  denomination.  We  have  happily  escaped  the  im- 
perious liberalism  which  has  invaded  even  the  Presbyterian 
Churches  of  Scotland,  and  is  everywhere  making  Philistine 
sport  of  orthodoxy  and  inspiration.  But  we  shall  not  long  be 
free  of  this  evil  Zeit-Geist,  unless  our  rising  ministry  shall  be,, 
not  merely  faithful  to  the  Standards  of  the  Church,  but  also  able 
to  cope  with  the  enemy  in  Biblical  learning  and  argument, 
and  shall  be  greater  than  they  in  supernatural  and  spiritual 
strength.  The  hopes  and  prospects  of  Evangelical  Christen- 
dom to-day  are  largely  in  its  Theological  Seminaries.  One 
of  the  wisest  of  living  theologians  has  said  that  "  the  only 
reason  why  the  Hebrew  people  did  not  become  a  nation  of 
idolators,  was  the  restraining  presence  among  them  of  a  Col- 
lege of  inspired    prophets  and    legislators — a  wheel  within   a 


DENOMINATIONAL  LIFE.  1G7 

wheel."  *  Let  us  not  neglect  that  historic  warning.  The  ten- 
dencies of  Rationalism  in  its  fight  against  the  Supernatural  are 
inevitably  downward,  through  modern  doubt  and  increasing 
skepticism,  to  absolute  atheistic  Materialism.  There  is  no  safe 
middle  between  these  irreconcilable  systems.  They  are  as  wide 
apart  as  that  awful  vision  which  haunted  Strauss  in  his  last  des- 
pair, of  the  universe,  as  a  vast  machine  of  blind,  relentless  fate 
whose  wheels  and  hammers  are  ever  crushing  the  life  out  of  help- 
less man,  and  wrecking  the  godless  globe  ;  and  that  mystic  vision 
of  the  Divine  Majesty  and  government  over  the  whole  creation 
which  Ezekielsawby  the  River  Chebar — the  vision  of  the  Chariot 
with  its  wheels  full  of  eyes,  moving  with  the  Cherubim  at  the 
will  of  the  Spirit  that  was  within  them,  revolving  between 
earth  and  "  the  terrible  crystal "  of  the  outstretched  firmament 
above  them,  where  was  "the  likeness  of  the  man  upon  the 
sapphire  throne,  and  the  rainbow  arching  the  bright 
cloud  that  enshrined  the  Glory  of  the  Lord."  Never  let  the 
day  dawn  when  this  Seminary  shall  take  the  first  step  down 
from  the  old  prophet's  chariot  into  the  modern  unbeliever's  in- 
fernal machine  ! 

We  do  not  claim,  as  did  Job's  comforters,  that  "  we  are  the 
people,  and  wisdom  will  die  with  us."  We  do  not  rest  our 
faith  upon  ecclesiastical  authority.  But  believing  that  our 
Theology  is  according  to  the  Scriptures,  which  are  the  Rule  of 
Faith,  the  Church  expects  this  Seminary  to  keep  up  with  the 
progress  of  sacred  learning  in  every  department,  and  to  correct 
whatever  errors  and  defects  in  its  administration  and  tuition 
require  correction.  It  has  taken  one  hundred  years  to  put  the 
Institution  upon  its  present  vantage-ground.  Its  second  cen- 
tury opens  with  greater  promise  and  potency  for  good  than  it 
has  ever  before  possessed.  What  the  Church  needs  most  is 
not  a  class  of  cloistered  scholars,  but  men  of  God,  educated 
for  their  high  calling,  and  able  to  use  their  gifts  and  attain- 
ments in  their  active  ministry.  The  Church,  for  her  very  life, 
needs,  and  she  demands,  prcac/ters  of  the  everlasting  gospel ; 
preachers  who  know  Jioiv  and  what  to  preach  to  all  classes  of 
people.  She  requires  of  the  Seminary  young  ministers  of  apos- 
tolic spirit  for  every  church,  little    or    big,   plain  or  polished, 

•Shedd's  "  Sermons  to  the  Spiritual  Man,"    p.  405. 


168  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

weak  or  strong,  in  villages  and  cities,  on  the  remote  frontier 
and  in  heathen  lands.  She  is  girding  herself  for  a  new  period 
of  her  life  work.  Her  conservative  habit  is  a  hereditary  safe- 
guard against  those  destructive  tendencies  which  inhere  in 
false  beliefs,  and  it  indicates  her  mission  as  a  constructive, 
mediatory,  and  abiding  Church  of  Christ.  The  revival  of  God's 
work  in  Christendom,  naturally  and  supernaturally,  will  come 
only  through  the  agency  of  those  who  pray,  expect,  and  labor 
for  it.  There  is  no  such  inspiring  outlook  for  the  world's  sal- 
vation as  that  of  the  Evangelical  Churches  of  Europe  and 
America,  organized  and  united  in  the  bonds  of  the  common 
faith,  forgetting  past  differences,  and  combining  their  strength 
for  giving  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God  to  all  nations.  There 
is  S'jrious  work  before  us  in  these  last  years  of  the  nineteenth 
century  It  is  no  mere  triangular  local  quarrel  for  a  distant 
territory,  like  that  of  England,  Egypt  and  the  Mahdi  for  the 
sovereignty  of  the  Soudan.  Christianity  is  on  the  march  for 
the  conquest  of  the  world,  and  Christ  is  on  the  throne,  de- 
manding its  submission.  The  world  moves  irresistibly  on- 
ward to  its  destiny,  as  the  Solar  System  moves  towards  the 
mighty  Sun-star  of  the  Pleiades,  and  we  must  move  on  or  be 
left  behind. 

During  the  past  summer  I  happened  to  be  in  Berne  on  the 
day  of  the  Jubilee  of  its  University.  The  entire  population 
of  the  quaint  old  city  seemed  to  be  in  its  streets.  National 
flags  and  banners  of  the  Canton  floated  in  the  breeze  ;  floral 
and  symbolic  emblems  decorated  the  houses  of  the  people  and 
the  public  buildings  ;  the  great  bells  rang  and  the  air  was  filled 
with  music,  as  the  long  procession  of  dignitaries  of  Church 
and  State,  and  distinguished  guests,  with  the  Faculties,  stu- 
dents and  Alumni,  wended  its  way  to  the  ancient  Cathedral  to 
celebrate  the  joyous  day.  Would  God  that  not  only  New 
Brunswick  and  New  Jersey  felt  as  deep  an  interest  in  this  Cen- 
tennial Anniversary  of  the  oldest  Theological  Seminary  in  our 
land,  but  that  our  whole  Church,  kindling  with  a  nobler  enthu- 
siasm, thrilled  with  the  spirit  of  the  occasion,  would  take  both 
the  College  and  the  Seminary  to  its  heart,  and  see  in  this 
auspicious  day  a  harbinger  of  the  Century  that  shall  bring  in 
the  Millennium. 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH 

OF 

THEOLOGICAL  INSTRUCTION 

IN  THE  WEST, 

ADDRESS 

BT    THE 

Rev.  Cornelius  E.  Crispell,  D.D. 

FIRST  PROFESSOR  OF  THEOLOGY  AT  HOPE  COLLEGE, 


THEOLOGICAL    INSTRUCTION 

IN    THE    WEST. 

The  desire  for  Theological  Instruction  in  the  West  did  not 
originate  in  any  real  or  supposed  infirmities  of  the  Mother 
Seminary  here.  It  was  not  a  want  nor  a  doubt  of  orthodoxy^ 
nor  a  felt  lack  of  efficiency  in  instruction  Jiere,  that  gave  rise  to 
the  longings  for  training  the  young  men  of  the  West  into  a 
living  ministry  there. 

ORIGIN   OF   THE  DESIRE   FOR   EDUCATION   IN   THE   WEST. 

As  early  as  1836  we  find  our  General  Synod,  through  Rev. 
Isaac  Ferris,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Missions,  holding 
the  following  language  :  "  We  owe  it  to  our  fathers,  to  our- 
selves, to  our  children,  to  our  country,  to  cast  in  our  influence 
with  the  other  evangelical  denominations  who  have  preceded 
us  in  occupying  the  West,  and  are  building  an  imperishable 
monument  to  their  charity.  Every  one  who  has  observed  the 
succession  of  these  efforts,  cannot  but  have  noticed  how  de- 
cidedly beneficial  the  thrilling  interest  felt  on  this  subject  has 
been  to  the  Churches  in  the  older  States.  They  have  waked 
up  to  an  enlargement  and  energy  of  effort,  and  an  expansion 
of  benevolent  plans,  which  twenty  years  since  would  not  have 
been  considered  possible.  And  under  a  like  influence  we  might 
confidently  hope  for  similar  blessed  results." 

It  is  to  the  feelings  here  expressed,  deepened  and  providen- 
tially developed,  that  we  trace  the  desire  above  noted. 

Efforts  for  the  expansion  of  our  Church,  already  quite  suc- 
cessful, were  much  augmented  in  1847,  by  the  arrival  among 
us  of  a  large  body  of  HoUandish  emigrants.  "Added  to  all 
the  claims  advanced  by  patriotism,  by  humanity,  by  religion." 
said  the  Committee  on    Missions,  of  the  Synod   of  1847,  Rev. 


172  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

James  Romeyn,  Chairman,  "  we  have  an  appeal  to  our  affec- 
tion and  sympathies,  based  on  endearing  affinities.  A  new- 
body  of  Pilgrims  has  reached  our  shores  from  Holland,  the 
land  of  our  fathers,  and  the  shelter,  in  ages  gone  by,  to  out- 
casts by  persecution." 

ITS  GROWTH   BY  MEANS   OF   EMIGRATION   FROM  HOLLAND. 

Among  the  people  the  controlling  desires  were  for  the  Chris- 
tian education  of  their  children,  and  the  training  of  ministers 
of  the  Gospel.  For  these  objects  they  longed,  and  earnestly 
prayed  and  labored.  These  desires  were  one  cause  of  their 
emigration.  {Corzvins  Manual,  3d  Edition  1879,  P-  79)  And 
one  reason  of  their  formal  union  with  our  Church  was  the  plain 
impossibility  of  preparing  an  adequate  ministry  among  them- 
selves.  {Corwins  Manual,  p.  81.) 

In  their  Reports  to  the  Board  of  Domestic  Missions  they 
say :  "  We  entreat  the  intercession  of  the  Church  and  her  benef- 
icent care  over  us,  especially  in  regard  to  the  education  of 
our  youth."  {Report  of  Board  of  Mis.,  1851,  p.  33.)  District 
schools  impart  the  character  of  a  colorless  Protestantism, 
which  not  unfrequently  opens  the  way  for  Catholicism."  "  We 
have  the  invaluable  love-gift  of  an  English  Academy  in  our 
midst."  *'  And  although  we  may  have  some  distinguished 
youth  and  children  educated  here,  at  the  expense  of  our  sev- 
•eral  congregations,  they  will,  however,  give  but  little  hope,  un- 
less means  can  be  provided  for  their  better  preparation  at  New 
Brunswick,  N.  J."  {Report  of  Dom.  Mis.,  1853,  p.  78.)  "We 
want  a  pouring  out  of  the  Spirit  in  order  that  many  Han- 
nahs may  consecrate  their  Samuels  to  the  Lord,  and  that  the 
parents  may  deem  it  a  higher  blessing  to  see  their  children  be- 
come fellow-laborers  of  God,  than  to  see  them  hoard  up  treas- 
ures, and  spend  their  days  in  earthly  occupations."  {Report  of 
Dom.  Mis.,  1854,  p.  47.) 

"It  is  very  important  for  the  whole  Classis  that  they 
— the  delegates  of  Classis— should  visit  New  Brunswick, 
that  they  may  personally  ascertain  that  New  Brunswick 
is  a  nursery  of  piety  and  sound  doctrine,  that  will  draw 
closer  the  ties  that  will  cause  us  to  estimate  rightly  the  privi- 
lege of  sending   our  boys,  our  pious  youth,  to  such  a  blessed 


THEOLOGICAL  INSTRUCTION  IN  THE  WEST.  173 

educational  circle,  to  place  our  dear  young  men  under  the 
training  of  such  worthy  fathers  in  Christ.  We  were  not  able 
to  gather  so  many  boys  for  the  school  as  we  did  desire.  How- 
ever, there  is  a  growing  sense  in  the  churches  of  their  duty  to 
raise  the  ministry  out  of  the  youth  of  the  Church."  [Report  of 
Dom,  Mis.  1858,  p.  92.) 

THE   FORESHADOWING   OF  THEOLOGICAL  INSTRUCTION. 

"  The  influx  of  these  aspirations  and  longings,  co-operating 
with  feelings  already  existing  and  incident  to  a  healthful 
Gospel  spirit,  originated  a  proposition  to  raise  means  to  bring 
young  men  from  Holland,  Europe,  to  be  educated  for  the 
ministry  at  Holland  Academy  and  at  New  Brunswick.  This 
proposition  was  endorsed  by  the  Synod  and  committed  to  the 
Board  of  Education  to  devise  means  to  accomplish."  {Minutes 
of  General  Sy 710 dy  1856,  p.  97.) 

In  the  meantime  "  The  Report  on  the  State  of  the  Church," 
presented  in  1848,  through  Rev.  James  Romeyn,  Chairman, 
foreshadowed  Theological  Instruction  in  the  West.  "  It  is  worthy 
of  consideration,"  it  said,  "  whether  we  could  attain  our  end 
by  planting  a  scion  from  our  Church  at  the  West  ;  forming,  in 
other  words,  an  organization  there,  in  a  form  and  size  that  will 
make  our  Church  plainly  seen  and  beneficially  felt.  Let  an 
institution,  under  our  patronage  as  long  as  necessary,  and  at 
first  under  our  control  also,  be  established.  Let  at  least  two 
men  be  commissioned  to  conduct  the  theological  department, 
and  let  there  be,  if  necessary,  a  requisition  that  one  year,  the 
closing  one  of  the  course,  be  spent  at  New  Brunswick." 

The  substance  of  this  shadow  became  an  object  of  brighter 
hope  when  the  Synod  said  in  1863,  through  Rev.  A.  B  Van 
Zandt,  D.D.,  Chairman  of  Com.  on  Education :  "  Feeling  the 
importance  of  education  as  an  efficient  instrumentality  to 
secure  enlarged  and  permanent  growth  in  her  home  missionary 
field,  she  would  have  her  membership  to  adopt,  foster  and 
cherish  that  Academy" — the  Holland  Academy — "  to  spare  no 
exertion  so  that  she  may  not  only  provide  for  its  present  wants, 
but  to  cause  it  to  expand  until  it  becomes  an  institution  of  a 
higher  grade,  and  send  out,  as  from  a  fountain  of  health,  the 
young  men  of  the  West,  trained    into  a  living  ministry,  who 


174  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

shall  cultivate  her  waste  places,  supply  the  vacancies  that  arise, 
and  occupy  the  new  fields  that  continually  present  themselves." 
{Mill,  of  Synod,  1863,  p.  321.) 

FIRST  MOVEMENT  FOR  ITS  INTRODUCTION. 
In  1864  the  Synod  of  Chicago  requested  the  General  Synod 
to  establish  a  Theological  Professorship  of  Missionary  Train- 
ing in  the  projected  Theological  Seminary  of  Holland  to  "  se- 
cure," it  said,  "  trained  ministers  from  among  ourselves."  The 
General  Synod  approved  of  the  Professorship  "  as  an  agency 
that  would  contribute  greatly  to  the  diffusion  of  a  missionary 
spirit  in  the  Western  portion  of  our  Church,  and  upbuild  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom  ;  "  it  testified  "  that  a  Theological  Semin- 
ary with  the  new  College  was  felt  to  be  a  measure  which  might 
be  demanded  in  time,  and  would  necessarily  grow  up  as  the 
wants  of  the  Church  require  it ;  "  but  it  recomviended \.\idX  the 
Synod  "  take  no  action  at  this  session,  deeming  the  present 
time  and  circumstances  unfavorable  to  proceeding  with  so  im- 
portant a  movement."  {Min.  Gen,  Synod,  pp.  467,  485,  488-9.) 

ELEMENTARY   THEOLOGICAL   INSTRUCTION   AUTHORIZED. 

The  yearnings  of  our  Holland  brethren,  who  had  and  con- 
tinue to  have  "  little  sympathy  with  a  merely  literary  or  scien- 
tific institution,"  and  their  earnest  wrestling  prayers  for  full 
Theological  Instruction  among  themselves  were  continued. 
"  The  claims  advanced  by  patriotism,  by  humanity,  by  reli- 
gion," enforced  by  appeals  to  affection  and  sympathies  based 
on  •'  endearing  affinities,''  continued  to  press  on  our  Eastern 
brethren,  and  to  encourage  the  hopes  of  the  Western.  And 
when,  in  1866,  the  first  class  in  the  new  College  was  about  to 
graduate,  there  appeared  in  the  General  Synod  a  request  from 
them  "  respectfully  petitioning  the  Synod  to  take  such  meas- 
ures as  may  enable  them  to  pursue  their  theological  studies  at 
their  present  Institution,"  it  was  to  many  as  the  sound  of 
thunder  from  a  clear  sky.  It  was,  however,  rather  the  natural 
outcome  of  the  desires  and  prayers  and  hopes  just  noted. 

The  request  of  the  petitioners  was  granted,  and  "elementary 
theological  instruction"  was  commenced  in  the  fall  of  1866, 
by  the  Professors  in  Hope  College,  according  to  arrangements 
made  by  the  Board  of  Education  and  the  Council   of  the  Col- 


THEOLOGICAL  INSTRUCTION  IN  THE  WEST.  175 

lege,  to  which  Bodies  the  Synods  had  referred  the  subject. 
During  these  arrangements  the  Professors  acted,  not  under 
their  regular  Professorships,  but  under  the  special  arrange- 
ments made  by  the  Synod's  authority.  At  the  end  of  the 
year  the  theological  class  was  examined  under  the  supervision 
of  a  Committee  of  the  Synod  appointed  "  to  examine  the 
whole  field  and  report  to  the  General  Synod." 

A  THEOLOGICAL  SCHOOL    ORGANIZED. 

In  June,  1867,  upon  the  report  of  its  Committee,  the  Synod 
took  measures  to  continue  theological  instruction.  For  this 
purpose  they  elected  Rev.  C.  E.  Crispell,  Professor  of  Mathe- 
matics, Natural  Philosophy  and  Astronomy  in  Hope  College, 
*'  Professor  of  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology  at  Hope  College," 
to  take  charge  of  "  the  class  and  give  instruction  in  Theology  "; 
and  invited  the  other  Professors  in  the  College  to  act  as  "  Lec- 
tors  in  the  several  branches  of  training  which  they  had  charge 
of  during  the  former  year  with  the  Theological  class." 

The  Professor  elect  was  duly  inaugurated  on  Sept.  17th,  1868. 
Rev.  Prof.  D.  D,  Demarest,  D.D.,  of  this  Seminary,  according 
to  appointment  presided.  Rev.  James  Demarest,  Jr.,  of  Chicago, 
also  by  appointment,  preached  the  sermon.  Owing  to  the  un- 
avoidable absence  of  Rev.  Isaac  Ferris,  D.D.,  Chancellor  of 
the  University  of  the  City  of  New  York,  who  had  been  ap- 
pointed Priviarijcs,  to  deliver  the  charge  to  the  new  Professor, 
Professor  Demarest,  who  was  his  Secundiis,  officiated  in  that 
duty. 

Two  things  here  are  worthy  of  special  note.  One  is  that  by 
the  appointment  of  a  Professor  of  the  Mother  Seminary  to  pre- 
side, its  fostering  care  over  the  daughter  was  invited.  The  otlier 
is  that  three  descendents  of  the  Huguenots  should  be  thus  as- 
sociated in  planting  a  Theological  School  among  the  descen- 
dents of  those  who,  in  a  wonderfully  Christ-like  manner,  had 
sympathised  with  and  sheltered  their  forefathers  when  fleeing 
to  them  from  cruel  persecutors.     Thus  God  works. 

ITS   HISTORY. 
A  carefully  prepared  history  of  Theological  Instruction  thus 
•inaugurated,    is   given  in  Corwin's   Manual,  p.p.    123-8,  Third 
Ed.  There  is  appended  to  it  "A  History  of  the  Endowment  of 


176  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

the  Theological  Chair  "  to  1879,  ^^^id  a  "  List  of  Instructors  dur- 
ing the  Period  of  its  Operation."  To  this  we  refer  for  informa- 
tion.    See  note  on  page  178. 

ITS   SUSPENSION. 

The  history  is  there  brought  down  to  1877,  when  the  General 
Synod  adopted  the  following  resolution : 

"  Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  present  embarrassed  condi- 
tion of  the  finances  of  the  College,  the  Council  be  directed  for 
the  present  to  suspend  the  Theological  Department." 

This  action  was  a  blow  to  our  Church,  and  a  trial  to  our 
western  brethren,  which  nothing  but  necessity  could  justify. 
The  fondest  hopes,  increased  through  a  series  of  years,  seemed 
blasted.  Hearts  loving  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom  and  yearn- 
ing and  laboring  most  earnestly  for  its  welfare  were  wounded. 
Some  found  partial  relief  in  alienation,  others  wept.  "  Dreadful 
agitations  "  followed,  which  the  Council  of  Hope  College  testify 
"  imperiled  the  very  existence  of  our  Church  in  the  West." 

THE  RESIGNATION   OF   ITS   PROFESSOR. 

In  the  following  year,  1878,  the  Synod  requested  the  Pro- 
fessor of  Theology  at  Hope  College  to  place  his  resignation 
in  the  hands  of  a  Committee  of  Synod,  to  take  effect  at  such 
time  as  said  Committee  should  designate.  To  a  compliance 
with  this  request,  when  presented  by  the  Committee  to  the 
Professor,  there  were  two  objections.  One  was  connected 
with  the  office  of  a  Professor  of  Theology  in  the  Reformed 
Church  relating  to  its  constitutional  prerogatives — prerogatives 
designed  to  aid  her  Professors  to  be  faithful  and  to  stand  firm, 
and  continue  stable  against  factions  and  party  influences.  The 
other  was  his  own  character  and  reputation,  connected  with 
and  affected  by  Synod's  action.  The  Synod's  Committee  kindly 
removed  the  latter  objection. 

The  former  difficulty,  relating  to  the  Professorate  and  affect- 
ing its  stability  and  endangering  its  faithfulness,  could  not  be 
removed,  and  so  a  constrained — not  a  voluntary — resignation 
was  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Committee. 

In  May,  1879,  the  Professor  of  Theology  received  a  call  to 
become  the  pastor  of  the  Reformed  Church  of  Spring  Valley, 
N.  Y.,  in  the  Classis  of  Paramus.    To  enable  him  to  accept  this 


THEOLOGICAL  INSTRUCTION  IN  THE  WEST.  177 

call  he  sent  a  voluntary  resignation  of  his  office  to  the  General 
Synod  in  the  following  June.  Such  resignation  was  accepted, 
and  he  received  a  certificate  to  connect  himself  with  the  Classis 
of  Paramus.  Thus,  in  June,  KS79,  the  suspended  Theological 
School  was  left  with  two  Synodical  Lectors  of  Theology,  to  await 
providential  developments. 

THE   WORK    DONE. 
During  the  eleven  years  of  theological  instruction   tweiity- 
nine  young  men  were  sent  forth  with  professorial  certificates  ; 
and    at    their  close  six  more  remained,  who  were  obliged  to 
enter  other  Seminaries  to  complete  their  course  of  study. 

THE  RESTORATION. 
The  brethren  in  the  West,  though  cast  down,  were  not 
destroyed  ;  though  tried,  were  not  forsaken,  either  by  their 
Lord,  who  raises  and  sends  forth  laborers,  or  by  their  eastern, 
brethren.  Those  desires,  and  longings,  and  prayers  were  con- 
tinued. The  Head  of  the  Church  heard  and  answered.  The 
General  Synod,  in  June,  1884,  after  visiting  Holland  and  Hope 
College,  took  measures  for  the  restoration  of  theological  in- 
struction there.  It  elected  Rev.  Nicholas  M.  Steffens  Profes- 
sor of  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology  at  Hope  College,  and 
made  arrangements  for  his  inauguration  to  take  place  as  soon 
as  "  the  total  sum  of  at  least  $30,000  shall  be  paid  into  the 
hands  of  the  Board  of  Direction,  the  income  of  which  shall  be 
for  the  support  of  said  Professor,"  and  "  not  until  there  shall 
be  at  least  $700  a  year  secured  by  subscriptions  or  otherwise, 
for  the  services  of  a  Lector,  who  shall  be  nominated  by  the 
Professor,  elected  by  the  Council  of  Hope  College,  subject  to 
subsequent  confirmation  of  the  General  Synod." 

A  BLESSING  IN  IT. 
Such  restoration  w^ill  be,  I  think,  a  blessing,  not  simply  to 
our  Church  in  the  West,  but  to  our  whole  Church.  It  will 
increase  the  number  of  our  own  trained  ministers,  and  by  its 
encouraging  and  exciting  influence  upon  parents  and  young 
men  of  the  Church,  will  add  sensibly  to  the  number,  who  will 
come  up  to  this  Mother  School  now  enriched  with  the  wisdom 
and  experience  of  ^  hundred  years,  to  be  here  trained  for  the 
1-2 


178  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

holy  work.  1  would,  therefore,  say  to  all  lovers  of  our  Church, 
and  especially  to  the  Professorial  brethren,  all  of  whom  save 
one  were  the  companions  of  my  preparatory  years  of  study 
here,  and  have  been  my  life-long  friends,  pray  for,  and,  in  every 
way  consistent  with  fidelity  to  this  School,  encourage  the  Child 
of  the  West,  now  to  be  restored  to  life  and  activity.  On  its 
behalf,  the  Synod's  first  Professor  at  Hope  College  bore  for  ten 
years  the  responsibilities,  and  performed  the  functions  of  the 
office,  amid  pecuhar  embarrassments  and  under  heavy  discour- 
agements. He  stood,  worked  and  suffered,  because  he  thought 
that  the  Good  Master,  through  the  Reformed  Church,  said  : 
"  Stand — work — suffer — spend  and  be  spent."  After  such  ex- 
perience, and  by  means  of  it,  I  know  and  feel  that  the  more 
fully  the  elements,  the  feelings  and  the  currents  of  the  West 
are  known  by  the  Church  at  large,  the  more  practical  sym- 
pathy will  be  felt  for  this  Child,  for  the  Mother's  sake. 

NOTE. 

As  all  the  readers  of  the  Memorial  Volume  may  not  have  at  hand  Dr. 
Corwin's  Manual  referred  to,  a  brief  statement  is  here  appended. 

The  ^roT'zswna/ a.rra.ngttments,  made  in  1867,  by  the  election  of  a 
Theological  Professor,  and  the  invitation  of  the  other  Professors  in  the 
College  to  act  as  Lectors,  were  to  continue  "  for  three  years,  and  then 
be  subject  to  the  will  of  the  Synod,  unless  circumstances  in  Providence 
indicate  earlier  another  mode  of  proceeding." 

Under  these  arrangements  the  first  class,  consisting  of  seven,  received 
their  Professorial  certificates,  May  21,  1869. 

In  June,  1869,  the  Council  of  Hope  College  was  "  constituted  and  ap- 
pointed the  Board  of  Superintendents  of  the  Theological  School  in 
Hope  College,  with  duties  and  prerogatives  like  those  of  the  Board  of 
Superintendents  of  the  Theological  School  at  New  Brunswick."  A 
Theological  Faculty  was  designated  and  "  empowered  and  instructed  to 
elect  one  of  their  number  to  represent  them  as  a  member  of  the  Council 
of  Hope  College."  Two  additional  Professors  were  elected,  viz.,  of 
Evangelistic  Theology,  and  of  Exegeiical  Theology.  The  Professor  elect 
of  Evangelistic  Theology.  Rev.  A.  C.  Van  Raalte,  D.D.,  declined  the 
office.  The  Professor  elect  of  Exegetical  Theology,  Rev.  P.  Phelps, 
D.D.,  signified  his  acceptance  of  the  office  ;  but  in  1871,  and  before  he 
had  qualified  by  signing  the  formula,  he  resigned. 

The  term  of  service  for  which  the  Lectors  were  invited  to  teach  hav- 
ing expired  in  June,  1870,  Profs.  Beck  and  Scott  were  reappointed  "to 
the  same  services  for  the  next  three  years." 

Under  the  plan  adopted  in  1869,  and  continued  till   June,  1871,  the 


NOTE.  179 

second  class,  consisting  of  four,  and  the  third  class,  consisting  of  three, 
received  their  Professorial  certificates. 

It  was  during  this  period,  1869,  that  the  Theological  Seminary  sus- 
tained its  heaviest  loss,  in  the  removal  by  death  of  Prof.  P.  J.  Oggel, 
Theological  Lector  in  Pastoral  Theology  and  Sacred  Rhetoric.  He  was 
■"a  burning  and  a  shining  light,"  and  enjoyed,  in  an  eminent  degree,  the 
confidence  of  the  Hollanders  in  the  West. 

In  June,  1871,  the  Constitution  of  Hope  College  was  amended.  In 
this  amended  Constitution  the  relations  of  the  Theological  School  to 
the  College  were  more  clearly  defined  ;  and  the  General  Synod's  "  orig- 
inal cognizance  of  all  matters  relating  to  the  Theological  Schools,  the 
appointment  of  Professors  and  their  course  of  instruction,  the  appoint- 
ment of  Superintendents  of  said  Schools,  and  the  regulations  thereof," 
as  guaranteed  by  the  Constitution  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America, 
was  more  expressly  and  carefully  guarded.  These  two  things  had  be- 
come the  more  necessary  from  the  continuance  of  a  strong  desire  and 
persevering  efforts  of  many  in  the  Western  Synod  to  place  the  Theolog- 
ical Department  in  the  same  relations  to  the  College  as  the  other  de- 
partments, and  the  culmination  of  this  desire  and  such  efforts  in  a  re- 
quest that  "  the  Constitution  of  the  Church  should  be  so  amended,  that 
while  the  General  Synod  should  retain  supreme  appellate  jurisdiction, 
its  original  cognizance,  in  relation  to  details,  be  delegated  to  the  Coun- 
cil." 

The  amended  Constitution,  therefore,  expressly  declared:  "The  Pro- 
vince of  the  Council  in  regard  to  the  Theological  Department  is  that  of 
a  Board  of  Superintendents,  according  to  the  Constitution  and  usages 
of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America.  In  regard  to  the  other  depart- 
ments it  is  fiduciary." 

The  time  of  service  of  Profs.  T.  Romeyn  Beck  and  Charles  Scott  in 
Theological  Instruction  having  expired  in  June,  1873,  they  were  "re- 
appointed as  the  Theological  Teachers  in  the  same  branches  which  had 
been  committed  to  them  by  the  Synod." 

In  1875,  Prof.  T.  R.  Beck,  owmg  mostly  to  undefined  status  and  duties, 
resigned  his  position  in  the  Theological  Department  ;  and  the  Synod, 
in  declining  to  accept  his  resignation,  appointed  him  and  Prof.  C.  Scott 
"  Lectors  in  Theology  in  the  Theological  Seminary-  at  Hope  College," 
designating  the  one  "  Lector  in  Exegetical  Theology,  including  Sacred 
Philolog}',  Biblical  Criticism  and  Hermeneutics  ";  the  other  "  Lector  in 
Church  History  and  Government  and  Archaeology." 

Under  the  amended  Constitution  the  fourth  class  of  two,  the  fifth 
class  of  four,  the  sixth  class  of  "two,  the  seventh  class  of  two,  the  eighth 
class  of  three,  and  the  ninth  class  of  two  received  their  Professorial  cer- 
tificates. 

Previously  to  June,  1875,  the  Theological  Teachers  had  received  sal- 
aries as  College  Professors, and  had  taught  Theology  "without  compen- 
sation." But  in  this  year.  Synod  assumed  the  salaries  of  her  Theological 


180  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

Teachers,  and  their  services  in  the  other  departments  were  gratuitous. 
To  provide  for  these  salaries  the  Synod  relied  upon  the  free  will  offer- 
ings of  individuals  and  churches,  and  appropriations  of  the  Board  of 
Education.  These  proving  insufficient,  the  following  year  the  Synod 
added  "  the  most  earnest  request  of  all  the  Churches  to  take  up  a  special 
collection  on  the  second  Sabbath  of  November  next  to  meet  the  ex- 
penses of  the  Synod  in  supporting  the  '  Theological  Seminary  at  Hope 
College.'  "  This  request  met  with  no  adequate  response — only  a  dozen 
churches  making  returns.  As  a  consequence,  the  Synod  became  much 
embarrassed,  and  the  suspetision,  as  stated,  followed. 


Letters  of  Congratulation 


Universities  in  the  Netherlands 


American  Theological  Seminaries. 


PRAYER 

By  Rev.  Elbert  Nevius. 

Lord,  thou  hast  been  the  dwelling-place  of  thy  people  in  all  genera- 
tions. "  Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or  ever  thou  hadst 
formed  the  earth  and  the  world,  even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting, 
Thou  art  God."  "A  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are  but  as  yesterday 
when  it  is  past,  and  as  a  watch  in  the  night."  As  the  centuries  pass 
beneath  Thine  eye,  crowded  with  events,  we  recognize  Thy  hand  in  all, 
for  Thy  hand  is  in  history.  O  Lord,  our  God,  we  thank  Thee  that  Thy 
Providence  has  been  so  graciously  manifested  to  us  in  the  century  at 
the  close  of  which  we  now  stand.  We  adore  and  bless  Thy  holy  name 
for  all  the  goodness  Thou  hast  shown  to  us  in  the  years  as  they  have 
passed.  There  have  been  scenes  of  struggle  and  trial,  but  there  have 
also  been  scenes  of  joy  and  triumph  ;  Thou  hast  been  with  us,  and  we 
bless  Thee  to-day  for  the  favorable  circumstances  in  which  we  are  placed. 
We  thank  Thee  for  all  the  kind  care  Thou  hast  manifested  for  the  Institu- 
tion whose  Centennial  we  to-day  celebrate.  We  render  Thee  thanksgiving 
and  praise  for  those  who  have  been  connected  with  it  in  the  past — for 
the  sainted  dead  ;  for  those  who  laid  its  foundation  stones,  and  for 
those  who  labored  to  rear  it,  and  who  have  inherited  the  promises  ;  who 
have  passed  from  their  toils  to  their  reward,  from  their  homes  on  earth 
to  their  home  with  God.  We  thank  Thee,  O  Lord,  that,  having  estab- 
lished Thy  Church  on  the  earth,  Thou  hast  been  pleased  here  to  place  an 
Institution  which  has  a  bearing  so  direct  upon  the  growth,  prosperity 
and  final  triumph  of  that  Church.  We  thank  Thee,  that  here  the  vital 
truths  of  Thy  Holy  Word  have  been  taught  throughout  the  years  that 
are  past ;  and  now,  as  this  Institution  enters  upon  another  century  of  its 
existence,  we  most  earnestly  pray  that  God  would  continue  His  loving- 
kindness  toward  us.  O  Lord,  our  God,  who  hast  been  with  us,  be  with 
us  still  in  all  the  days  to  come.  Pour  out  Thy  spirit  abundantly  upon  this 
Theological  Seminary,  upon  those  who  have  control  of  it,  upon  its 
Faculty,  and  upon  those  who  are  brought  under  the  instruction  of  its 
Professors,  and  make  this,  mdeed.  the  fountain  whence  shall  flow  streams 
that  "  shall  make  glad  the  City  of  God."  May  it  be  a  power  for  good,  not 
only  in  this  land,  but  among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  for  loud,  indeed,  is 
the  call  that  comes  to  us  from  far  distant  lands  that  are  groping  in  the 
deep  darkness  of  their  long,  spiritual  and  starless  night.  Let  this  In- 
stitution tell  in  coming  years  upon  Thy  cause  at  home  and  abroad, 
until  all  the  nations,  given  in  covenant  to  Thy  Son,  shall  come  and  bow 


184  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

down  at  His  feet,  and  acknowledge  Him  as  their  Glorious  King.  Lord, 
hasten  that  happy  time  when  every  land  beneath  the  sun  shall  hear  the 
glad  tidings  of  great  joy. 

Hear  our  prayer,  and  bless  us  in  all  the  exercises  of  this  afternoon, 
and  in  the  remaining  services  of  this  Centennial  occasion.  May  they 
redound  to  Thy  glory  and  tend  to  the  spiritual  welfare  of  precious  souls. 
We  ask  all  for  our  blessed  Redeemer's  sake.     Amen. 


LETTERS. 

FROM  PROF.  NICHOLAS  15EETS,  D.D.,  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF 

UTRECHT. 

Translated  by  Rev.  Daniel  Van  Pelt. 

To  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Cliureli  in  America  : 

Very  Reverend  Sirs,  Highly  Esteemed  Brethren: 
The  approaching  celebration  of  the  one  hundredth  anniversary 
of  the  establishment  of  your  Theological  Seminary  at  New 
Brunswick,  cannot  but  arouse  the  heartfelt  interest  of  all 
Churches  of  the  Reformation  in  the  Old  World,  and  indeed 
of  all  Christendom,  All  Theological  Schools  too,  particu- 
larly and  most  of  all,  the  Theological  Faculty  of  the  Univer- 
sity of  Utrecht,  should  feel  this  cordial  interest  in  your  cele- 
bration. For  we  are  reminded  that  the  Rev.  John  H. 
Livingston,  the  first  Professor  in  your  Seminary,  sought  his 
Theological  training,  and  obtained  his  degree  of  Doctor  of 
Divinity  at  Utrecht — worthy  pupil  of  him  who  was  most  highly 
held  in  honor  there,  Gisbertus  Bonnet. 

When  your  celebration  is  held,  I  shall  have  laid  down  my 
office  as  Professor  at  the  University  of  Utrecht,  in  obedience 
to  a  provision  in  the  Constitution  bearing  upon  higher  educa- 
tion, which  requires  such  resignation  when  the  age  of  seventy 
years  has  been  attained.  Thus  for  me  the  opportunity  to  par- 
ticipate in  an  official  congratulation  on  the  part  of  the  Theo- 
logical Faculty  of  the  University  will  have  passed  by. 

My  personal  congratulations,  however,  I  cannot  withhold, 
and  perchance  they  may  not  be  entirely  unwelcome  as  coming 
from  one  at  the  age  of  seventy  j-ears,  who  during  almost  half 
of  the  period  of  the  existence  of  your  Seminary,  has  been  per- 
mitted to  devote  his  best  powers  to  the  advancement,  by 
mouth  and  by  pen,  of  God's  Kingdom  in  general,  and  of  the 
prosperity  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  particular;  and  who 
may,  moreover,  not  be  altogether  unknown  in  America. 

Not  merely  then,  highly  esteemed  brethren,  must  I  congratu- 


186  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

late  you  that  your  Theological  Seminary  has  become  a  century 
old  ;  but  that  it  has  become  a  century  old  with  honor  and  amid 
great  blessings.  For,  according  to  the  testimony  that  is  fur- 
nished on  every  hand,  it  must  have  remained  unalterably  true 
to  the  principles  and  teachings  upon  which  it  was  founded. 
The  seed,  therefore,  that  was  there  sown,  can  have  been  none 
other  than  the  "  Word  of  God,  which  liveth  and  abideth  for- 
ever ";  and  the  Christ  of  Scripture — "  Christ  and  Him  cruci- 
fied " — must  have  remained  the  immovable  centre  of  all  wisdom 
there  taught,  and  presented,  and  commended  to  the  future 
teachers  of  the  Church,  to  be  by  them  proclaimed  abroad.  How 
significant  this  fact,  after  a  century  during  which  so  many  a 
varying  wind  of  doctrine  has  blown,  and  in  an  age  such  as  ours, 
when  from  so  many  directions  and  in  so  many  ways,  a  fierce 
conflict  is  raging,  not  only — as  might  be  desirable — against  an- 
tiquated conceptions  and  forms  of  presenting  precious  truths  ; 
but  also  against  that  which  is  the  heart,  the  power,  the  very 
essence  of  the  Gospel,  without  which  it  could  not  be  called  a 
Gospel. 

The  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  has 
hitherto  been  with  your  Seminary,  still  preserve  to  it  its  former 
fidelity,  and  continue  to  lead  it  by  His  Spirit  into  all  truth. 
May  your  Seminary,  neither  during  the  century  upon  which 
it  is  about  to  enter,  nor  during  any  future  one,  ever  lack 
learned  and  godly  men  who  shall  instruct,  or  diligent  and  well 
disposed  students  to  be  instructed.  Be  it,  age  after  age,  a 
blessed  training  school  for  ministers  of  the  Gospel  who  shall 
fruitfully  labor,  and  thus  be  it  forever  a  source  of  the  most 
precious  blessings  to  your  people  and  country,  to  the  glory  of 
God  and  the  Savior,  and  to  the  unalloyed  rejoicing  of  all  who 
love  Him.  Your  brother  in  Christ, 

Nicholas  Beets, 
Theol.  Dr.   (Leyden) ;   Phil.   Theor.  Mag.,  et  Lit.    Hum.    Dr. 
(Utrecht);  D.D.  (Edinburgh). 

Utrecht,  September,  1884. 


LETTERS  OF  CONGRATULATION.  ISI 


FROM    THE   THEOLOGICAL   FACULTY    OF  THE    UNIVERSITY   OF 

UTRECHT, 

Utrecht,  October  ist,  1884. 
General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America  : 

The  Theological  Faculty  of  the  University  of  Utrecht  has 
the  honor  to  congratulate  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed 
Church  in  America  upon  the  Centennial  of  her  Theological 
Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey.  We  pray  to  God 
that  the  Theological  Seminary  may  flourish  a  great  many  years 
to  come,  and  be  a  blessing  to  the  Reformed  Church  in  Amer- 
ica. Our  Theological  Faculty,  consisting  at  present  of  J.  T. 
Doedes,  D.D.,  J.  J.  P.  Valeton,  jr.,  D.D.,  G.  H.  Lamers,  D.D., 
and  J.  Cramer,  D.D.,  (Rev.  Prof.  N.  Beets,  D.D.,  having 
laid  down  his  commission  a  few  days  ago),  declares  that  it  joins 
readily  in  the  profession  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Only  Be- 
gotten Son  of  God,  the  only  Savior  of  sinners,  and  to  know  of 
no  other  Gospel  than  that  which  is  to  be  found  in  the  Holy 
Scriptures. 

The  Theological  Faculty  is  happy  to  show  its  sympathy 
with  the  festival  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  because  it  keeps 
in  honor  the  remembrance  of  one  of  its  former  members.  Prof. 
G.  Bonnet,  under  whose  instruction  your  first  Professor,  the 
Rev.  John  H.  Livingston,  received  his  Theological  training, 
and  took  his  degree  of  D.D.;  on  account  of  which  relation  there 
exists  an  indissoluble  bond  between  you  and  our  Faculty. 
And  though  it  cannot  be  represented  at  your  Jubilee  by  one  of 
its  members,  it  is  our  wish  that  this  letter  may  be  regarded  as 
an  unmistakable  proof  of  our  brotherly  sympathy. 

With  heartfelt  wishes  for  the  well  being  of  the  Reformed 
Church  in  America,  especially  for  the  Theological  Seminary  at 
New  Brunswick,  we  remain. 

Your  brethren  in  Christ, 

J.  T.  Doedes,  Chairman. 

J.  J.  P.  Valeton,  Jr.,  Secretary. 


188  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


FROM  THE   THEOLOGICAL   FACULTY   OF     THE    FREE    UNIVER- 
SITY   OF  AMSTERDAM. 

Amsterdam,  Oct.  14th,  1884. 

Fathers  and  Brethren  :  The  Theological  Faculty  of 
the  Free  Reformed  University  of  Amsterdam  bids  me  con- 
gratulate you  on  your  Centennial  Anniversary.  God  hath 
greatly  honored  you.  You  have  kept  your  own  in  spite  of  the 
secularizing  tendencies  of  the  age  ;  in  spite  of  your  position  in 
a  vast  country,  amongst  churches  and  institutions  of  Anglo- 
American  origin;  in  spite,  too,  of  errors  beckoning  on  in  the 
name  of  progress  and  prudence,  calling  on  you  to  exchange 
what  was  purely  distinctive,  and  perhaps,  apparently  un- 
essential, for  a  broader  field  of  labor.  We  rejoice  to-day  that, 
although  American  society  and  American  thought  have  cer- 
tainly told  on  you  and  your  Theology,  we  may  acknowledge 
family  feeling  and  can  recognize  the  family  features.  There 
was  a  time  in  your  history  when  Dutch  conservatism  dreaded 
to  sever  the  official  ties  between  your  Church  and  ours ;  yea, 
it  may  be,  looked  with  disfavor  upon  your  separate,  or  at  least, 
independent  existence.  The  event  hath  shown  the  wisdom  of 
the  separation.  For  a  long  time  after  your  last  minister  was 
ordained  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  our  influence  on  you 
would  not  have  been  for  good. 

The  very  existence  of  the  Mother-Church  hath  been  threat- 
ened ;  our  theology  hath  had  meretricious  intercourse  with  the 
upstart  philosophy  and  the  falsely-called  science  of  the  times* 
As  Lsrael  of  old,  we  have  tampered  with  French  and  German 
thought,  and  deemed  it  our  glory  to  be  as  little  Dutch,  that  is 
to  say,  as  little  ourselves,  as  little  what  God  made  us,  and  willed 
us  to  be,  as  possible.  What  has  been  the  result  ?  We  have 
lost  our  standing.     Our  life  hath  become  apparently  extinct. 

It  seemed  as  if  the  Daughters  settled  in  foreign  climes  were 
destined  still  to  show  what  the  Mother  had  been  and  still 
ought  to  be.  But  now,  as  we  congratulate  you,  it  is  with  a 
message  of  hope  and  trust.  God  hath  visited  His  people  in 
Holland.  A  revival  of  the  old  principles  which  are  ever  new, 
because  undying,  is  changing  the  aspect  of  our  Church,  our 
State  and  our  Theology. 


LETTERS  OF  CONGRATULATION.  18{> 

We  rejoice  in  the  prospect  that  the  present  movement  will 
bring  us  more  in  sympathy  with  you.  We  express  the  hope 
that  we  shall  still  be  a  blessing  to  each  other.  We  have  learned 
a  dearly-bought  lesson,  that  our  power  lies  not  only  in  what 
we  have  in  common  with  others,  but  also  in  what  distinguishes 
and  sometimes  isolates  us.  We  believe  you  to  have  a  mission. 
May  you  still  be  honored  as  the  representative  of  principles 
which  are  powerful  to  produce  piety,  symmetry  of  character, 
moral  and  religious  influence  in  the  Church,  the  family,  the 
state  and  the  world. 

May  your  Centennial  give  you  new  and  holy  impulses,  and 
your  Institutions  exemplify  the  truth  that  there  is  an  election 
of  Churches,  of  nations,  of  types  of  Theology  as  well  as  of  in- 
dividuals. May  you  be  staunch  to  our  motto,  ''Je  inain- 
tiendraiy  God  honors  those  who  honor  Him,  making  their 
history  a  prophecy,  turning  their  weakness  to  strength,  and 
crowning  their  prayers  with  songs  of  thanksgiving. 

Yours  in  bonds  of  affection. 
The  Theological  Faculty  of  the  Free  University^ 

Ph.  C.  Hoedemaker. 


FROM   THE    faculty  OF   THE   THEOLOGICAL   SCHOOL  AT 

KAMPEN. 

Translated  by  Rev.  Daniel  Van  Pelt. 

To  our  BretJireji  assembled  together  to  celebrate  the  Ce?iten?iial 
of  their  Theological  Seminary,  at  New  Brimswick,  in  the 
month  of  October,  1 884: 

Beloved  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ:  Grace  and  Peace  be  mul- 
tiplied unto  you. 

In  view  of  this  interesting  event,  were  there  no  circum- 
stances to  forbid,  we  would  most  gladly  visit  you  in  person,  to 
press  the  hand  of  fraternal  love,  and  join  with  you  in  your 
Centennial  exercises. 

This  celebration  bears  testimony  to  the  faithfulness  and 
mercy,  as  well  as  the  love  and  care,  shown  by  the  Great  Shep- 
herd of  His  sheep  toward  His  flock  in  the  distant  West. 
Originating  in  the  Netherlands,  your  Church  owed  its  growth 
and  prosperity,  under  God,  to  the  fidelity  of  its  early  members, 


j^90  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

who  willingly  abandoned  their  homes  more  than  two  centuries 
since  for  the  then  wild  and  uninhabited  regions  of  America. 
There  they  have  continued  to  serve  the  God  of  their  salvation, 
according  to  His  requirements,  and  have  not  forsaken  His 
Covenant. 

Brethren,  our  hearts  beat  warmly  for  those  who  once  stood 
hrm  and  strove  nobly,  as  well  as  for  those  who  have  followed 
in  their  steps.  You  behold  your  Churches,  which  were  gath- 
ered about  the  ancestral  Standards  of  our  faith,  not  only  pre- 
served by  the  Word  of  God,  but  blessed  both  temporally  and 
spiritually.  Hence,  to-day  you  can  point  to  this  period  of  a 
century,  through  which  your  Theological  School  has  existed, 
and  cry  out  to  us, 

"  This  is  the  Lord's  doing  ; 
It  is  marvelous  in  our  eyes. 
This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath  made  ; 
We  will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it." 

Ps.  cxviii :  23,  24. 

Our  little  country  of  the  Netherlands  in  former  ages,  and 
to-day  your  great  country  of  America — what  signal  witnesses 
are  they  to  the  faithfulness  of  our  God.  How  powerfully  does 
the  Chief  Shepherd  of  the  flock  challenge  the  world  to  ac- 
knowledge that  His  promise,  "  Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even 
to  the  end  of  the  world,"  is  indeed  the  word  of  One  to  whom 
"  was  given  all  power  in  heaven  and  on  earth."  Therefore, 
beloved  brethren,  this  festal  period  of  yours  emphatically  in- 
vites both  yourselves  and  us  to  press  on  our  wa)'  cheerfully 
and  gratefully  under  His  banner. 

And  as  your  school  heretofore  has  been  permitted  to  train 
hundreds  of  young  men  for  the  Ministry  of  the  Word,  not 
only  for  your  own  Church,  but  also  for  service  among  the  hea- 
then, may  God  count  her  worthy  for  continued  and  greater 
usefulness  ;  may  the  spirit  of  life,  of  grace,  of  prayer,  be  poured 
out  still  more  abundantly  upon  your  Institution,  upon  her 
Professors  and  pupils,  as  well  as  upon  us  all. 

Receive,  Worthy  and  dear  brethren,  at  this  festival,  not 
only  my  own  cordial  greetings,  but  likewise  those  of  my  es- 
teemed colleagues  of  this  our  Theological  School,  and  in  which 
our  students  also  join. 


LETTERS  OF  CONGRATULATION.  101 

We  have  at  present  eight  Instructors.  The  number  of  our 
students  during  recent  years  has  averaged  eighty  or  ninety. 
We  have  three  hundred  and  seventy-five  churches,  with  mem- 
bers baptized  and  in  full  communion  [klcincn  en  grootcn  tc 
saincn)  to  the  number  of  one  hundred  and  forty  thousand. 
Our  independent  existence  dates  back  to  1834. 

Is  our  origin  inquired  after?  It  is  known,  partly,  to  some  of 
you  already,  and  well  known  to  many.  But  to  the  praise  of 
God's  grace  and  faithfulness,  we  make  the  following  statement  : 

Rationalism  reached  its  highest  point  in  the  Reformed 
Church  of  the  Netherlands  in  the  first  half  of  the  present  cen- 
tury. It  thought  its  influence  to  be  supreme.  It  entertained 
and  unblushingly  expressed  the  sentiment,  that  although  a  few 
"stiff-heads  "  and  "fanatics"  still  remained  in  the  Church,  yet 
it  was  happy  to  see  them  dying  out,  and  that  soon  it  would 
have  the  field  all  to  itself.  The  New  Organization  of  the 
Church,  introduced  by  royal  authority  in  1816,  was  its  bul- 
wark. His  iMajesty  had  constituted  a  Body,  on  which  he  im- 
printed the  name  of  "Synod."  It  was  asserted  that  this 
Synod  was  only  an  administrative  Body,  and  that  it  would  not 
interfere  with  doctrine.  Nevertheless,  it  proposed  a  new 
Formula  for  the  subscription  of  ministers.  In  this,  our  ancient 
Standards  were  acknowledged,  but  in  an  ambiguous  manner. 
There  was  an  expression  which  would  mean  either  because,  or 
i7i  so  far  as.  The  subscribers,  therefore,  acknowledged  the 
Standards,  either  because  they  agreed  with  the  Word  of  God,  or 
in  so  far  as  they  agreed  with  the  same.  This  controversy  was 
afterward  called  "  The  Q/iia  or  Quatenus  Controversy.  It 
was  at  first  denied  that  the  sense  of  "  Quatenus  "  was  intended 
by  this  ambiguous  expression  ;  but  subsequently  it  was  openly 
avowed. 

It  soon  appeared,  however,  that  the  few  "stiff-heads"  so 
gladly  accounted  dead,  were  in  fact  not  yet  defunct  ;  that  there 
still  existed,  scattered  throughout  the  entire  Fatherland,  a 
great  multitude,  who  had  been  preserved  by  God  as  "  in  the 
Cleft  of  the  Rock  " — a  multitude  like  the  seven  thousand  in 
the  days  of  Elijah. 

God's  spirit  also  began  to  be  manifestly  breathed  forth' as 
upon  the  dry  bones  in  Ezekiel's  vision.     There  were  profound 


192  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

spiritual  struggles,  and  hearts  were  changed.  The  doctrines 
of  Sin  and  Grace  began  again  to  be  heard,  instead  of  the 
Rationalistic  doctrine  of  the  mere  weakness  of  human  nature 
and  of  the  necessity  of  moral  improvement.  Hearts,  revealed 
unto  themselves  by  God's  Spirit,  perceived  their  helplessness, 
and  often  cried  out  for  mercy  in  the  language  of  the  Publican's 
prayer.  The  doctrine  of  the  Justification  of  the  sinner  before 
God,  that  ancient  doctrine  of  God's  own  revealed  Word,  (and 
which  is  developed  in  so  comforting  a  manner  in  our  venerable 
Symbol,  the  Heidelberg  Catechism,  under  the  three  great  di- 
visions of  Misery,  Salvation  and  Gratitude),  began  again  to  ho 
studied  in  the  writings  of  our  fathers,  and  to  be  proclaimed 
from  the  housetops.  The  Atonement,  implied  in  the  blood  of 
Jesus,  was  again  honored.  The  Savior's  testimony,  that  a 
man's  foes  should  be  they  of  his  own  household,  was  again  ful- 
filled, according  to  Matt,  x  :  36  ;  as  well  as  that  according  to 
Luke  xii  :  52,  There  shall  be  five  in  one  house  divided,  three 
against  two,  and  two  against  three. 

The  names  of  Bilderdyk,  Da  Costa  and  Capadose,  men  who 
spoke  in  words  of  great  power,  are  no  doubt  familiar  to  you. 
The  fact  could  no  longer  remain  hidden  that  on  every  side 
there  were  anxious  inquirers  after  "  the  Old  Paths,"  and  there 
were  conversions  to  God.  It  was  also  none  the  less  evident 
that  as  this  state  of  things  developed,  Rationalistic  preaching 
emptied  the  churches.  The  people  absented  themselves  from 
such  services,  and  declined  to  participate  at  their  communion- 
tables. This  was  done  not  from  any  antipathy  to  the  ordin- 
ances of  God's  house,  but  for  conscientious  reasons.  And  the 
Church  authorities  could  do  nothing  to  remedy  this  state  of 
affairs,  because  of  their  own  regulations.  But  when  a  younger 
generation  of  preachers  arose,  who  began  once  more  to  pro- 
claim the  old,  tested  truth,  the  people  flocked  back  to  the 
[State]  Churches.  But  then  the  Church  authorities  sought  for 
pretexts  to  remove  these  young  men  as  disturbers  of  the  peace 
and  good  order.  In  three  or  four  provinces  where  the  pro- 
vincial ecclesiastical  authorities  perpetrated  such  unworthy 
deeds,  even  the  Synod  (!)  ratified  their  acts.  Finally,  six  or 
seven  of  these  young  ministers  were  deposed.  But  that  por- 
tion of  the  people  which  was  most  thoroughly  awakened  stood 


LETTERS  OF  CONGRATULATION.  193 

by  them  as  one  man.  Men  were  found  who,  in  accordance 
with  the  teaching  of  the  Belgic  Confession  (Articles  27,  28,  29), 
were  ready  to  separate  themselves  from  the  Established  Church. 
And  there  were  many  considerations  which  urged  them  thereto. 
There  were  families  in  which  not  only  the  smaller  children,  but 
even  the  youth  almost  of  mature  age  remained  unbaptized. 
There  were  families  in  which  devotedly  pious  parents  had  not 
made  confession  of  their  faith,  but  who  did  this  for  the  first 
only  after  the  separation.  Previously  they  had  not  dared  to  make 
such  confession,  nor  had  they  desired  to  do  so  before  minis- 
ters whom  they  considered  to  be  deceivers. 

The  necessities  of  the  case  plainly  pointed  out  to  us  our 
course  of  duty.  We  ministers  traveled  from  town  to  town 
and  from  village  to  village.  As  a  result  of  our  efforts,  the  old 
traditional  Reformed  Church  of  the  Netherlands  arose  again, 
and  appeared  in  striking  contrast  with  the  apostate  State 
Church. 

As  usually  happens  in  the  service  of  God,  the  progress  of 
this  movement  was  not  without  much  opposition  and  tribula- 
tion. Troubles  and  calumnies  were  encountered  on  every  side. 
The  Synod  of  the  State  Church  which  we  had  forsaken,  even 
appealed  to  the  Civil  Government,  and  requested  it  to  apply 
certain  Napoleonic  strictures  against  secret  societies  to  our 
public  religious  services.  And  the  Government  was  sufficiently 
blind  and  hostile  to  allow  itself  to  be  used  for  such  a  purpose  ! 
Incredible  as  it  may  seem,  this  actually  took  place.  That 
same  Rationalism,  which  boasted  so  loudly  of  its  toleration, 
took  the  responsibility  of  persecutions  in  the  Netherlands ! 
In  that  very  land  which,  from  the  earliest  times  has  been  hon- 
ored for  its  Liberty  of  Conscience,  occurred  during  several 
years  in  the  first  half  of  the  nineteenth  century,  public  relig- 
ious persecutions  by  means  of  endless  fines  and  imprisonment  ; 
by  the  quartering  of  troops  [on  our  families].  And  all  this  was 
done  at  the  request  of  the  so-called  Synod  of  the  Reformed 
Church  of  the  Netherlands. 

But  we  are  permitted  to  bear  grateful  and  joyful  testimony 

that  such  persecutions  did  us  no  real   injury.     Although   we 

were  deprived  of  the  support  of  the  State  treasury,  we  were  not 

crippled.     We  found  ourselves  able  to  build  churches,  to   sup- 

13 


194  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

port  our  ministers,  and  to  provide  for  our  poor  and  orphans. 
Like  Israel  of  old  in  Egypt,  the  more  we  were  oppressed,  the 
more  we  increased.  And  although  it  becomes  us  greatly  to 
deplore  our  own  barrenness  and  lack  of  fidelity,  the  Lord  has 
ever  been  good  to  us.  In  spite  of  all  our  sins  of  every  kind, 
personal  and  congregational,  sins  in  the  Church  and  school, 
national  and  individual,  yet  have  we  ever  found  free  access  to 
the  paternal  heart  of  God  through  the  blood  of  Christ  which 
washes  away  our  sins. 

You  hope,  dear  brethren,  to  celebrate  in  October  the  Centen- 
nial of  your  Theological  Seminary.  We  expect  to  celebrate  on 
the  14th  of  the  same  month,  the  Semi-Centennial  of  our 
Church  ;  that  Church  which  has  been  led  forth  by  God  out  of 
a  very  Babel  of  confusion,  and  which  has  been  preserved  by 
His  faithfulness.  On  account  of  this,  our  celebration,  (had  no 
other  considerations  prevented),  I  should  not  have  been  able  to 
leave  home. 

Our  Church  is  indeed  yet  small.  Our  difificulties  are  very 
iriany  and  great.  But  the  more  we  consider  the  depths  from 
which  God  has  been  so  graciously  pleased  to  raise  us;  the  pow- 
erful opposition,  ecclesiastical  and  secular,  against  which  He 
has  guarded  us,  and  enabled  us  to  prosper;  the  more  deeply 
do  we  feel  the  soul-stirring  words  of  the  ancient  Psalmist,  when 
he  says  :  "  When  the  Lord  turned  again  the  captivity  of  Zion, 
we  were  like  them  that  dream."  Hence  we  frequently  sing 
with  all  our  hearts  : 

God  heeft  by  ons  wat  greets  verricht ; 

Hy  zelf  heeft  onzendruk  verlicht, 

Hy  heeft  door  wondren  ons  bevryd  ; 

Dies  juichen  wy  en  zyn  verblyd.     Ps.  cxxvi :  2. 

But  they  were  all  cempelled  to  own, 
That  great  and  wondrous  was  indeed 
The  work  our  God  for  us  had  done. 
His  goodness  we  with  joy  confess, 
Who  thus  hath  crowned  us  with  success. 

From  First  Eng.    Ver.  of  R.  D.  C,  1767. 

And  what  shall  we  say  of  so  many  beloved  brethren  in  the 
Lord, who  still  follow  the  example  of  Gamaliel  of  Paul's  day,  or  of 
Erasmus  of  Reformation  times?  These  ought  to  break  uncon- 
ditionally with  error  and  indifference.     This  the  whole  history 


LETTERS  OF  CONGRATULATION.  195 

of  the  Church  proves  to  be  the  only  right  course.  To  this  God 
also  exhorts  in  these  words  •.  "  Be  thou  faithful  unto  death." 
These  often  speak  in  an  excellent  manner,  and  are  ever  waiting 
and  hoping  for  a 

"  Reformatio  in  capite  et  inembris." 
Such  a  reformation,  however,  must  necessarily  fall   bodily  out 
of  heaven  right  into  their  arms.  In  reference  to  these  brethren, 
we  would  continue  our  strains  from  the  same   Psalm  : 

Breng  Heer  al  Uw  gevangenen  weder  ! 

Zie  verder  op  Uw  erfvolk  neder  ; 

Vcrkwik  het  als  de  Watervloed, 

Die  't  Zuiderland  herlcven  doet.     Ps.  c.xxvi  :  4. 

To  us  bring  back  the  Remnant,  Lord, 

Of  Israel's  long  enslaved  Bands; 
More  welcome  than  refreshing  showers. 

That  fall  on  parched  and  thirsty  lands. 

From  first  Eng.    Ver.  of  Ref,  Dr.cJi.,  1767. 

We  have  not  yet  said  anything  about  the  origin  of  our  School. 
It  came  into  existence  in  the  same  manner  as  our  churches. 
The  quickening  breath  of  God  blew  upon  the  dry  bones,  and 
our  Theological  School  sprung  up.  We  had  the  examples  of 
the  Apostles,  as  recorded  in  the  Book  of  Acts,  before  us.  As 
the  churches  multiplied  rapidly,  the  need  of  ministers  was  felt. 
We  remembered  the  injunction,  "Lay  hands  suddenly  on  no 
man,"  as  well  as  the  Apostle's  declaration  that  a  minister  must 
be  "  apt  to  teach."  Hence,  at  first  two  or  three  ministers  sup- 
plied the  necessities  of  the  people,  as  far  as  possible,  by  their 
individual  efforts.  Sometimes  they  labored  in  concert.  After 
the  removal  of  some  differences,  we  were  permitted  to  hold  a 
General  Synod  in  the  year  1854,  at  Zwolle.  Our  present  or- 
ganization for  [Theological]  work  was  resolved  upon  there. 
Four  ministers  were  appointed  for  this  purpose,  and  we  began 
with  thirty-seven  students.  As  to  the  character  of  the  work 
we  have  done,  the  accompanying  paper  will  give  you  some  in- 
formation. It  was  published  for  the  very  purpose  of  explain- 
ing this  part  of  our  work,  when  we  celebrated  the  twenty-fifth 
anniversary  [of  our  School]  in  1879.  ^^  ^^^^  pleasure  in 
sending  you  ten  copies,  and  hence  we  need  not  here  add  any- 
thing further   on   this  subject,  except  to  say,   "  Brethren,  pray 


196  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

for  US."  Let  us  pray  for  each  other.  And  as  you  celebrate 
your  Centennial,  as  we  hope  to  celebrate  our  Jubilee,  may  the 
God  of  all  comfort  grant  us  abundantly  "to  be  strengthened 
with  all  might  in  the  inner  man."  May  we  go  forward  in  that 
strength,  that  our  churches  and  schools  may  be  established  to 
the  honor,  glory  and  praise  of  our  great  God  and  Savior,  Jesus 
Christ.  We  can  never  sufficiently  exalt  Him  ;  and  to  Him, 
with  the  Father  and  Holy  Spirit,  may  adoration  and  honor  be 
ascribed  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

And  now,  brethren,  once  more  a  Greeting  and  a  Prayer. 
Next  week  the  examinations  take  place  at  our  School. 
Several  students  are  to  be  examined,  to  pass  from  the  Pre- 
paratory Department  to  the  Theological  Hall.  Several  others 
will  submit  themselves  to  the  final  examination. 

May  the  eyes  of  all  of  us,  under  all  circumstances,  be  fixed 
on  the  Father  of  all  mercies,  and  the  God  of  all  comfort  and 
grace.  To  Him,  with  our  Lord  and  Savior  and  the  Holy 
Spirit,  belong  praise  and  adoration  and  thanksgiving. 

May  the  favor  of  Christ,  our  Lord,  be  with  you  always. 

I  have  the  honor  to  call  myself,  with  all  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant  in  Christ, 

A.  Brummelkamp. 

Kampen,  July  5th,   1884. 


FROM   THE   REV.  N.    M.    STEFFENS,    PROFESSOR   ELECT   IN   THE 

THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY   OF   THE   REFORMED    CHURCH 

IN   AMERICA,   AT  HOLLAND,    MICH. 

Holland,  Mich.,  Oct.  23rd,  1884. 
Rev.  Paul  D.  Van  Cleef,D.D,,  Chairman  of  the  Centennial  Com- 
mittee. 

My  Dear  Brother:  Your  kind  invitation  to  attend  the 
Centennial  Celebration  of  our  Theological  Seminary  at  New 
Brunswick  was  duly  received  and  appreciated. 

I  regret  to  say  that  I  cannot  be  in  your  midst  to  rejoice 
with  you  over  the  doings  of  the  Lord.  My  manifold  and  pres- 
sing duties  are  my  only  excuse.  It  is  my  earnest  desire  that 
our  School  of  the  Prophets  may  be  abundantly  blessed  in  the 


LETTERS  OF  CONGRATULATION.  197 

time  to  come,  and  that  the  history  of  her  first  century  may  be 
an  earnest  of  future  blessings. 

I  hope  that  you  may  not  only  have  a  time  of  rejoicing  and 
enjoyment,  but  that  measures  may  be  taken  to  increase  the 
usefulness  of  our  Eastern  Institution,  and  to  spread  its  influ- 
ence into  wider  and  wider  circles.  We  at  the  West  watch 
your  progress  with  keen  interest ;  your  growth  is  our  grov/th, 
for  we  are  one  in  the  Lord. 

In  fullest  sympathy  with  you  in  your  work  and  joy,  I  am 
yours  in  the  Lord,  N.  M.  Steffens. 


from  the  faculty  of  the  theological  seminary  at 
andover,  mass.; — congregational. 

Theological  Seminary,  ] 
Andover,  Mass.,  Oct.  20th,  1884.      j" 

T/ie  Rev.  Drs.  P.  D.  Vaji  Cleef,  J.  H.  Suydam  and  D.  N.  Van- 
derveer,  Committee  of  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed 
Church  in  America. 

Dear  Brethren  :  Your  invitation  to  the  Faculty  of  this 
Seminary  to  send  a  representation  to  the  Centennial  of  the 
Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  was  duly  re- 
ceived, and  would  have  been  earlier  acknowledged  but  for 
the  hope  that  we  might  express  our  appreciation  of  your 
courtesy,  and  our  interest  in  so  important  an  occasion,  by  a 
delegate,  and  not  simply  by  letter.  It  proves,  however,  im- 
practicable for  us  to  send  a  representative,  and  I  am  instructed 
therefore  to  return  the  grateful  acknowledgements  of  our 
Faculty  for  your  invitation,  and  to  offer  our  most  respectful 
and  cordial  congratulations  in  connection  with  the  hundredth 
Anniversary  you  are  to  celebrate.  I  have  just  read  in  a  Me- 
moir of  acknowledged  authority,  and  also  in  the  Encyclopae- 
dia, edited  by  the  eminent  historian.  Dr.  Schaff,  that  Andover 
Seminary  is  "  the  oldest  Theological  Seminary  in  the  land  ;" 
but  we  have  not  yet  ventured  on  our  Centennial,  and  still  less 
can  we  question  that  yours  has  come.  The  record  is  clear. 
You  go  back  to  1784.  Our  charter  dates  June  19,  1807.  ^^^t 
then  our  Seminary  is  an  outgrowth  of  Phillip's  Academy,  which 
was  founded  in  1778.     Perhaps  yours  too,  way  back  in    1784 


198  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

was  an  outgrowth.  I  dare  not  enter  these  lists,  but  drop  at 
once  to  a  point  of  union.  Dr.  Livingston  began  to  teach  in 
New  Brunswick  in  1810,  and  the  same  year  the  first  class  en- 
rolled in  our  "  General  Catalogue,"  graduated  at  Andover. 
The  same  year  also,  in  connection  with  the  memorial  of  several 
students  in  this  Seminary,  the  American  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners for  Foreign  Missions  was  formed  ;  and  in  a  sermon 
upon  your  history  delivered  in  1839  ^Y  Rev.  Benjamin  C.  Tay- 
lor, of  Bergen,  N.  J.,  I  read  that  the  perusal  of  a  missionary 
sermon  of  your  beloved  Dr.  Livingston  "accompanied  by  the 
Spirit  of  God,  first  impressed  the  little  group  of  pious  youth 
in  one  of  the  Eastern  States,  whose  minds  were  thereby  drawn 
to  the  work  of  Foreign  Missions,  and  of  which  number  the  de- 
voted Mills  was  one."  Both  Seminaries  have  from  the  begin- 
ning been  prominent  in  devotion  to  Missionary  work,  and  may 
they  ever  continue  to  be.  May  the  review  of  the  past  century 
bring  to  you  in  full  measure  that  assurance  of  faith,  that  cour- 
age and  large  expectation  which  it  so  abundantly  warrants. 
Never  were  the  needs  and  the  responsibilities  of  Theological 
Seminaries  greater  than  now.  May  a  great  blessing  from  the 
Head  of  the  Church  come  to  you,  as  you  dutifully  and  joy- 
ously celebrate  this  Centennial. 

For  the  Faculty  of  Andover  Theological  Seminary. 

Egbert  C.  Smyth. 


FROM  the  faculty  OF  LANE  SEMINARY,  CINCINNATI,  OHIO; — 

PRESBYTERIAN. 

Lake  Seminary,  Cincinnati,  O.,  October  9th,  1884. 
Rev.  Paul  D.  Van  Cleef,  D.D. 

My  Dear  Brother  :  I  have  received  the  invitation  of  the 
Committee  of  General  Synod  and  the  Alumni  Association,  to 
attend  the  celebration  of  the  Centennial  of  the  Theological 
Seminary  at  New  Brunswick. 

I  am  profoundly  grateful  for  their  invitation,  and  I  will  be 
present  if  it  is  possible,  but  my  duties  are  so  imperative,  and 
the  special  obligations  urgent  at  that  particular  date  are  so 
important,  that  I  fear  I  must  deny  myself  the  high  privilege. 
In  view  of  this  probability  I  send  these  lines  to  express  my  in- 
terest in  the  occasion. 


LETTERS  OF  CONGRATULATION.  199 

The  years  I  spent  in  the  ministry  of  the  Reformed  Church 
were  among  the  most  valued  years  of  my  life;  and  my  regard 
for  the  Educational  Institutions  of  that  Church  can  with  dififi- 
culty  be  expressed.  May  the  blessing  of  our  common  Lord 
and  Head  abide  on  your  Theological  Seminary  especially. 
My  associates  in  this  Seminary  very  warmly  unite  with  me  in 
this  desire.  Yours  very  sincerely,  James  Eells. 


FROM   THE  FACULTY   OF   THE  GENERAL  THEOLOGICAL   SEMIN- 
ARY  IN   THE   CITY   OF   NE\V   YORK; — EPISCOPAL. 

Residence  of  the  Dean,  426  West  23D  Street, 
New  York,  Oct.  9th,  1884. 
The  Rev.  Paul  D.  Van  Cleef^  Rev.  J.  Hoivard  Siiydam  and  Rev. 

D.  N.  Vanderveer,  Coviinittee. 

Gentlemen  :  On  behalf  of  the  Faculty  of  the  General 
Theological  Seminary,  I  beg  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  cordial  invitation  to  attend  the  celebration  of  your  Theo- 
logical Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  and  to  thank  you 
kindly  for  it  and  for  your  offer  of  hospitality.  It  would  give  us 
much  pleasure  to  meet  you  on  this  interesting  occasion,  but  we 
regret  to  say  that  duties  here  will  deprive  us  of  the  pleasure. 
Remembering  the  intimate  relations  which  existed  between 
your  forefathers  and  ours  in  the  early  history  of  the  Church  in 
New  York,  we  have  always  regarded  with  deep  interest  every- 
thing that  has  had  to  do  with  your  welfare.  We  ofTer  you  our 
sincere  congratulations  on  the  occurrence  of  this  Anniversary 
of  your  venerable  Seminary,  and  trust  that  we  may  ever  be 
found  striving  with  one  mind  for  the  advancement  of  the  great 
cause  of  Theological  education  in  this  countr}'. 

With  sincere  respect,  very  faithfully  yours, 

E.  A.  Hoffman,  Dean. 


from  the   faculty   of   union   theological   seminary, 
hampden  sidney,  va. ; — presbyterian. 

Union  Theological  Seminary, 
Virginia,  Sept.  25th,  1884. 
To  Rev.  Drs.  P.  D.  Van  Cleef,  J.  Howard  S^iydain   and  D.  N. 
Vanderveer. 
Dear  Brethren  :    The  Faculty  of  our  Seminary  have  re- 


300  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

ceived  the  very  kind  invitation  sent  to  them  by  you  on  behalf 
of  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  of  America,  to 
attend  the  celebration  of  your  Theological  Seminary's  Centen- 
nial. 

We  are  deeply  impressed  with  this  token  of  your  brotherly 
love,  and  tender  to  you  our  hearty  thanks  for  the  same.  It 
would  be  grateful  to  our  feelings  if  one  of  our  number  could 
represent  us  at  these  festivities,  and  convey  to  you  in  person  the 
assurances  of  our  hearty  sympathy  with  you.  But  as  this  is 
impracticable,  we  can  only  send  these  assurances  in  writing. 
We  unite  with  you  ex  animo  in  your  thanksgiving  to  God  for 
all  that  your  venerable  Institution  has  been  the  means  of  doing 
in  expounding,  defending  and  propagating  His  Word  which 
liveth  and  abideth  forever;  and  we  pray  that  His  blessing  may 
continue  to  abide  upon  it,  and  more  abundantly,  so  that  what 
you  have  done  in  the  past  shall  seem  as  nothing  in  comparison 
with  what  He  shall  give  you  grace  to  do  for  the  honor  of 
His  great  name. 

Yours  sincerely,  in  the  name  of  the  Faculty  of  U.  T.  Sem- 
inary, Thomas  E.  Peck,  Chairman. 


FROM    THE    FACULTY    OF    BANGOR   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY, 
BANGOR.,    ME.; — CONGREGATIONAL. 

Bangor,  Me.,  Oct.  4th,  1884. 
The  Rev.  Drs.  Paul  D.    Van   Cleef,  J.  Howard  Suydatn  and 

D.  N.  Vanderveer. 

Dear  Brethren  :  The  Faculty  of  Bangor  Theological 
Seminary  desire  to  thank  you  mostcordially  for  your  courteous 
invitation  to  attend  the  Centennial  celebration  of  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  It  would  be  a  pleasure 
and  privilege  to  us  if  we  could  send  one  of  our  number  to  you  ; 
but  this,  on  account  of  the  distance  and  the  claims  of  ourwork, 
we  shall  be  unable  to  do.  In  declining  your  invitation,  as  we 
very  reluctantly  feel  compelled  to  do,  we  desire  to  send  you 
our  hearty  greetings  and  congratulations  in  view  of  an  occasion 
so  interesting  and  important.  We  thank  God  for  the  long  and 
honorable  history  of  your  Seminary,  for  all  the  devoted  and 
learned  men  who  have  labored  in  it,  and  for  the  many  faithful 
and  useful  ministers  of  Christ,  who  have  gone  forth  from  it. 


LETTERS  OF  CONGRATULATION.  201 

Laboring  for  the  same  high  ends,  and  holding  the  same 
blessed  faith  with  you,  we  pray  that  God  may  bless  your  Sem- 
inary in  the  coming  century,  even  more  abundantly  than  in 
the  past,  and  make  it  the  instrument  of  yet  greater  good. 

Wishing  you  grace,  mercy  and  peace  from  God,  our  Father, 
<and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  we  remain. 

Yours  fraternally. 
The  Faculty  of  Bangor  Theological  Seminary, 

By  Lewis  F.  Stearns. 


from    the   faculty    of    the    theological    seminary, 
columbia,  s.  c. ; — presbyterian. 

Theological  Seminary,      ) 
Columbia,  S.  C,  Oct.  20,  1884  f 

To  Rev.  Dr.  Paul  D.  Van  Cleef,  etc.,  Committee. 

Dear  Brethren:  The  Faculty  of  the  Theological  Semin- 
ary at  Columbia,  S.  C,  acknowledge  with  thanks  your  kind  in- 
vitation to  attend  the  Centennial  exercises  of  New  Brunswick 
Seminary,  and  regret  that  it  is  impossible  for  any  of  them  to 
be  present.  We,  however,  in  our  own  behalf,  and  in  behalf  of 
the  Board  of  Directors  and  Alumni  of  this  Institution,  extend 
the  most  cordial  congratulations  on  this  happy  occasion.  We 
bless  God  for  that  gracious  Providence  which  brought  to  these 
shores  a  noble  band  of  the  heroic  race  that  did  so  much  to 
secure  for  Europe  and  the  world  the  blessings  of  civil  liberty 
and  the  Protestant  faith;  we  bless  Him  for  this  rich  infusion 
of  high-born  blood  into  the  veins  of  the  American  people  ;  we 
bless  Him  that  in  your  Church  He  has  transplanted  to  the  New 
World  a  scion  from  the  Mother  Church,  now  groaning  under  its 
unhappy  bondage  to  the  State,  here  to  develop  in  untram- 
meled  freedom  ;  we  bless  Him  that  He  has  brought  our  Church 
and  yours  into  close  and  tender  relations,  and  that  in  times  of 
great  trial  you  extended  to  us  the  hand  of  Christian  love.  W^e 
share  your  joy  in  the  past  career  of  your  beloved  Seminary, 
and  we  trust  that  its  hundred  years  of  usefulness  are  but  the 
beginning  of  a  yet  greater  and  more  glorious  work  for  the 
Kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     And  to  this 


302  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

end,  may  grace,  mercy,  and   peace  be  multiplied    unto  you 
through  Jesus  Christ.  James  Woodrow, 

JohnL.  Girardeau, 
Charles  R.  Hemphill. 
William  E.  Boggs. 


from   the   faculty   of   the   divinity   school   of   the 
protestant  episcopal  church,  philadelphia. 

Divinity  School,  ] 

Fiftieth  St.  and  Woodland  Ave.,  v 

Philadelphia,  Sept.  26th,  1884.     ) 

To  the  Rev.  Drs.  Paul  D.  Van  Cleef^  J.  Howard  Suydain  and 
D.  N.  Vanderveer,  Committee  of  the  Reformed  Church  in 
A  merica. 

Dear  Brethren  :  On  behalf  of  the  Faculty  of  the  Divinity 
School  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  Philadelphia,  I  beg 
to  acknowledge  your  cordial  invitation  to  attend  the  celebra- 
tion of  the  Centennial  of  your  Theological  Seminary.  At  a 
meeting  of  our  Faculty  held  to-day  I  was  directed  to  thank 
you  for  your  kind  courtesy,  and  to  express  to  you  our  sincere 
and  hearty  congratulations  upon  the  interesting  occasion,  with 
a  cordial  appreciation  of  the  good  work  your  Seminary  has 
done,  and  our  best  wishes  for  its  future. 

Fraternally  yours, 
Edward  T.  Bartlett,  Dean. 


FROM  THE  faculty  OF  THE  EPISCOPAL  THEOLOGICAL  SCHOOL, 

cambridge,  mass. 

Episcopal  Theological  School,  ) 
Cambridge,  Mass.,  Sept.  25th,  1884.      f 

To  Rev.  Paul  D.  Van  Cleef,  Rev.  J.  Howard  Suydam,  and  Rev. 

D.  N.  Vanderveer,  Committee. 

Dear  Brethren  :  Your  kind  invitation  to  attend  the  Cen- 
tennial of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick  has 
been  received,  and  having  been  laid  before  the  Faculty,  I  am 
instructed  to  reply.     This  young  School  of  the  Prophets  sends 


LETTERS  OF  CONGRATULATION.  203 

its  hearty  congratulations  to  a  sister  Institution,  so  much  its 
senior,  upon  the  completion  of  a  hundred  years  of  such  signal 
success,  and  such  marked  usefulness  in  the  cause  of  our  com- 
mon Lord.  We  know  well  the  work  it  has  done,  and  the  dis- 
tinguished men  it  has  sent  into  the  ministry,  as  well  as  the 
record  of  that  branch  of  the  great  historical  Church  which  it 
represents,  and  the  story  of  these  now  completed  hundred 
years  may  well  stimulate  all  kindred  institutions  to  renewed 
fidelity.  May  the  blessing  of  God  rest  upon  your  Seminary 
as  abundantly  as  it  has  done  in  the  past,  so  that  when  1984 
shall  come,  if  that  date  finds  the  dispensation  of  the  Church's 
preaching  the  Gospel  still  uncompleted,  and  the  perfected 
kingdom  of  God  not  yet  arrived,  there  may  be  even  more  rea- 
son for  thanksgiving  than  you  find  to-day. 

We  regret  to  say  that,  owing  to  engagements  already  made, 
we  do  not  see  how  any  of  us  can  be  present  on  the  28th  and 
29th  prox.,  but,  if  it  is  feasible,  a  delegate  will  attend  and  join 
in  your  happy  Anniversary.  In  this  case,  of  course,  such  dele- 
gate will  not  rely  upon  any  provision  for  entertainment. 

On  behalf  of  the  Faculty,  and  with  my  own  personal  con- 
gratulations, Yours  most  faithfully  in  Christ, 

George  Zabriskie  Gray,  Deaff. 


FROM     THE   FACULTY    OF     THE   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY     OF 
THE   EVANGELICAL   LUTHERAN   CHURCH,  GETTYSBURG,    PA. 

Gettysburg,  Pa.,  Oct.  25,  1884. 
To  Rev.  Paul  D.  Van  Cleef,  Rev.  y.  Howard  Suydam,  and  Rev. 

D.  N.  Vanderveer,  Committee. 

Dear  Brethren  :  Your  favor  of  the  12th  ult.  on  behalf  of 
the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  in- 
viting the  Faculty  of  this  Institution  to  participate  in  the  Cen- 
tennial Anniversary  of  your  Theological  Seminary  at  New 
Brunswick,  N.  J.,  on  the  approaching  28th  and  29th,  has  been 
received. 

Sincerely  regretting  that  no  one  of  its  members  will  be  able 
to  enjoy  the  pleasure  of  personally  participating  in  these  Cen- 
tennial exercises,  our  Faculty  has  requested  me  to  thank  you 
for  the  kind   invitation,  and   to   convey  to  you  by  letter  the 


304  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

congratulations  of  this  Seminary  on  that  interesting  occasion. 

We  rejoice  with  you  over  a  century's  work  in  the  great  ser- 
vice to  which  your  Institution  has  been  consecrated.  We  re- 
cognise that  your  Seminary  and  our  own  are  laboring  for 
the  same  Master,  and  in  the  fraternity  of  a  common  Christi- 
anity, and  we  are  glad  also  to  recognise  the  efficiency  and  suc- 
cess that  have  been  granted  you.  I  am  sure,  however,  that 
the  pleasure  with  which  you  look  at  the  good  which  the  cen- 
tury's labors  sum  up,  will  yet  be  less  than  that  with  which  you 
will  anticipate  the  privilege  of  the  service  to  be  done  in  the 
hundred  years  which  the  new  departure  begins. 

Permit  me  to  express  the  hope  and  prayer  that  the  favor 
of  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  may  continue  to  rest  upon 
the  Institution  whose  Centennial  you  meet  to  celebrate. 

Most  fraternally, 

M.  Valentine, 
President  of  the  Faculty  of  the    Theological  Seminary  oj  the 
General  Synod  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church. 


Addresses  of  Congratulation 


DELEGATES 


American  Theological  Seminaries, 


ADDRESSES  OF   CONGRATULATION. 

REMARKS    BY    THE    CHAIRMAN, 

Rev.  Joachim  Elmendorf,  D.D. 

Before  introducing  to  the  audience  the  delegates  from  other  Theolo- 
gical Seminaries,  the  Chairman  spoke  as  follows  : 

A  most  impressive,  and  in  many  respects,  a  most  significant 
fact — a  fact  that  adds  great  dignity  to  our  Centennial  celebra- 
tion,  is  the  presence  of  so  many  eminent  representatives  of  sis- 
ter Institutions  in  our  land. 

They  have  left  their  important  work,  they  have  journeyed 
far  to  look  upon  and,  I  trust,  taste  our  joy  in  these  festivities, 
and  to  bring  us  their  greetings.  However  pleasing  authorized 
and  unalloyed  self-gratulation  may  be,  its  pleasure  must  be  in- 
tensified by  the  congratulations  of  loved  and  honored  brethren. 

Without  prolonging  your  glad  anticipations,  I  will  at  once 
invite  their  words  of  congratulation. 


ADDRESS 

By  Prof.  W.  Henry  Green,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  of   Princeton,  N.  J. 
Mr.  President,  Honored  Fathers  and  Brethren  : 

I  have  been  deputed  by  the  faculty  of  the  Theological  Semin- 
ary at  Princeton  to  bear  their  most  hearty  congratulations  to  this 
sister  Seminary  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America  upon  this 
auspicious  occasion  of  her  Centennial  celebration.  I  am  charged. 
Sir,  to  assure  you  of  their  profound  sympathy  with  this  Institution 
in  its  high  aims,  and  in  the  noble  work  which  it  has  achieved ; 
of  the  deep  veneration,  regard  and  affection,  which  they  cherish 
for  those  distinguished  men  who  laid  the  foundations  of  this 
institution,  and  for  those,  likewise,  who  have  perpetuated  it 
until  this  day,  and  who  have  rendered  such  important  service 
to  sound  Christian  learning,  and  theological  science,  and  to  the 
advancement  of  true  religion  in  our  land  and  throughout  the 


208  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

world.  We  honor  them  for  their  steadfast  adherence  to  the 
principles  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ  accepted  by  all  Evangelical 
Churches  ;  and  I  may  be  permitted  in  this  presence  to  add,  for 
their  steadfast  adherence  to  that  Calvinistic  faith  which  is  set 
forth  in  those  good  old  Standards  which  are  reverenced  alike 
by  you  and  by  ourselves.  We  rejoice  in  that  body  of  faithful 
ministers  of  the  Gospel,  who  from  this  place  have  gone  forth 
to  your  churches  and  to  various  parts  of  our  land  and  over  the 
earth,  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to  men.  We 
rejoice  in  the  equipment  of  your  noble  Seminary,  in  its  build- 
dings,  its  library,  its  able  faculty,  its  students  and  its  endow- 
ments. We  augur  great  things  for  you.  We  trust  that  this 
century  of  faithful  work  is  an  omen  of  what  shall  be  achieved 
more  gloriously  and  largely  in  the  centuries  that  are  to  come. 
Who  can  estimate  the  value  and  meaning  of  a  hundred  years 
of  the  existence  of  such  a  central  fount  of  truth  and  piety  as 
this?  One  might  as  well  try  to  calculate  the  worth  of  a  hun- 
dred years  of  sunshine  on  this  world,  during  which  the  sun  has 
gone  forth  on  its  daily  errand,  shedding  its  beneficent  rays 
over  the  whole  earth,  fraught  with  life,  and  with  light,  and  with 
power.  Here  is  an  institution  that  has  been  shaping  and 
moulding  those  who  were  to  form  the  ministry  of  the  Church, 
educating  and  developing  their  faculties,  giving  them  insight 
into  God's  Word,  giving  them  the  power  of  handling  and  wield- 
ing the  Sword  of  the  Spirit,  and  sending  them  forth  in  the 
Church  and  throughout  our  land  to  preach  the  Gospel,  to  be 
each  a  centre  of  influence  from  which  might  radiate  fresh  pow- 
er, and  impulses  be  communicated,  wave  after  wave,  to  which 
no  limit  can  be  set  in  time  or  space.  It  is  appalling  to  think 
of  the  direct  and  the  indirect  influence,  the  continuous,  power- 
ful, extending  influence  of  an  Institution  such  as  this.  We  re- 
joice too.  Sir,  in  the  permanence  of  character  which  has  at- 
tached to  this  Institution,  that  character  impressed  upon  it  by 
its  founders,  of  a  firm  adherence  to  God's  truth,  and  a  stead- 
fast maintenance  of  God's  Holy  Word.  In  the  Mother  country 
there  are  those  who,  possessed  of  great  learning,  are  using  their 
learning  and  acumen  for  the  advancement  of  critical  opinions, 
whose  tendency  is  to  overturn  the  foundations  of  our  faith,  and 
to  unsettle  the  hold  which  the  great  truths  of  religion  have 


5 


^^^ 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  209 

upon  the  minds  and  hearts  of  men.  We  rejoice,  Sir,  in  the 
distinctness  and  power  with  which  the  principles  of  God's 
Word  are  here  maintained,  and  that  there  are  men  here  who 
are  capable  of  gathering  up  these  vast  stores  of  learning  by 
whomsoever  accumulated,  and  of  bringing  together  all  the  re- 
sults of  investigation  that  are  anywhere  made,  and  employing 
them  wisely,  leaving  out  all  that  is  pernicious  and  holding  fast 
all  that  is  good.  We  rejoice  that  no  countenance  is  here 
given  to  that  so-called  progress  in  Theology  which  means  pro- 
gress away  from  the  truth  and  from  the  Bible  ;  or  any  proposed 
remodeling  of  creeds  for  the  sake  of  bringing  in  antiquated 
heresies  or  novel  and  unfounded  speculations  ;  and  that  no 
sympathy  is  felt  with  those  uneasy  spirits  to  whom  nothing  is 
stable  and  nothing  settled.  And  for  that  reason.  Sir,  we  feel 
a  greater  reverence  for  those  who,  at  the  very  outset,  so 
stamped  the  character  of  this  Institution,  and  indicated  the  di- 
rection it  should  take. 

And  I  may  say,  Sir,  that  Princeton  takes  a  special  interest 
in  this  Seminary,  not  only  on  account  of  its  being  a  representa- 
tive of  a  Church  nearly  allied  to  your  own,  and  holding  like 
Standards  of  the  same  faith  which  is  common  to  us  both,  but 
on  account  of  its  proximity,  and  on  account  of  the  close  and 
intimate  relations  that  have  subsisted  between  them.  Propo- 
sitions of  union,  drawn  up  in  due  form,  were  at  one  time  laid 
before  the  authorities  of  the  two  Institutions,  the  effect  of  which, 
if  concurred  in,  would  have  been  that  there  would  now  be  but 
one  seat  of  learning  instead  of  two,  each  having  its  own  influ- 
ence and  usefulness.  May  I  say  likewise.  Sir,  that  Princeton 
stands  in  very  close  relationship  to  New  Brunswick,  from  the 
fact  that  both  Institutions  were  planted  with  a  common  end  in 
view,  viz.  that  of  preparing  young  men  for  the  Gospel  ministry. 
And  this  has  never  been  left  out  of  sight.  In  1767  Rev.  John 
Blair  was  appointed  Professor  of  Divinity  in  Princeton  College; 
and  in  the  next,  and  succeeding  years,  the  Synod  of  New  York 
and  New  Jersey,  which  was  then  the  supreme  ecclesiastical  ju- 
dicatory of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  directed  its  churches  to 
take  up  collections  for  the  foundation  and  further  establish- 
ment of  this  Professorship.  The  duties  of  this  ofifice  were  de- 
volved upon  the  Rev,  Dr.  Witherspoon,  when  he  was  called  to 
14 


210  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

take  the  Presidency  of  the  College.  Dr.  Witherspoon  was  in 
intimate  relationship  with  Dr.  Livingston,  and  visited  Holland, 
where  Dr.  Livingston  was  at  the  time,  in  order  that  they  might 
confer  with  regard  to  education,  and  especially  Theological 
education,  as  it  was  to  be  conducted  in  these  two  kindred  In- 
stitutions. And,  Sir,  there  are  names  which  it  would  be  weari- 
some to  repeat,  which  show  how  closely  linked  our  two  Institu- 
tions and  denominational  bodies  have  been.  Eminent  men  of 
Dutch  descent,  like  Cortlandt  Van  Rensselaer  and  Cornelius 
C.  Cuyler,  held  a  conspicuous  place  among  the  Directors  of 
Princeton  Seminary.  And  such  names  as  Milledoler,  McClel- 
land, and  Janeway,  show  how  the  Presbyterian  Church  has 
reciprocated  the  favor  and  sent  her  sons  to  help  forward  the 
good  cause  here.  Former  Professors  and  students  in  this  in- 
stitution now  occupy  distinguished  places  in  Presbyterian  pul- 
pits. And  in  like  manner,  Bethune,  and  others  who  might  be 
mentioned,  from  Princeton  Seminary,  have  been  and  are  hon- 
ored in  the  Reformed  Church.  In  fact.  Sir,  we  have  no  bars 
between  our  denominational  grounds.  There  is  no  fence  be- 
tween us.  Our  ecclesiastical  territory  resembles  those  por- 
tions of  the  country  where  farmers  do  not  think  it  necessary  to 
erect  lines  of  demarcation  between  contiguous  fields,  so  that  all 
form  one  vast  region  of  waving  grain,  without  any  apparent 
division. 

I  have  recently  come.  Sir,  from  an  assemblage  of  young  men 
in  Princeton,  representing  35  different  Theological  Institutions. 
500  young  men  were  deputed  from  these  Institutions,  the  ag- 
gregate of  whose  students  numbered  many  hundreds  more. 
They  gathered  in  warm  and  earnest  council  with  regard  to  mat- 
ters touching  the  kingdom  of  our  Redeemer,  and  especially 
the  great  work  of  carrying  the  Gospel  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 
It  seems  to  me.  Sir,  that  such  a  spectacle  is  an  index  of  the 
progress  which  has  been  made  since  the  origin  of  these  Institu- 
tions. Contrast  it  with  the  time  of  feeble  beginnings,  when 
the  early  foundations  were  laid  amid  great  difificulties  and  al- 
most insurmountable  obstacles,  when  there  were  few  students, 
few  Professors  and  limited  courses  of  study.  Consider  the 
present  multiplication  of  Theological  Institutions,  the  enlarge- 
ment   of  their  curriculum,  both  in    the    range    of  subjects  in- 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  211 

eluded  and  the  thoroughness  with  which  they  are  treated,  the 
large  and  efficient  corps  of  Instructors  and  the  vastly  aug- 
mented number  of  students.  Would  not  our  fathers  who 
planted  the  seed,  have  rejoiced  beyond  all  measure  if  they 
could  have  seen  what  a  noble  growth  has  sprung  from  it  ? 
And  how  little  there  is  to  lead  any  one  to  apprehend  that  the 
Church  of  God  is  dying  out,  or  that  the  Scriptures  have  a  less 
hold  on  the  minds  of  our  people  than  formerly,  or  that  the 
progress  of  the  kingdom  of  God  is  sought  with  less  earnest- 
ness and  power. 

It  is  my  privilege  to  claim  that  I  have  some  Dutch  blood  in 
my  own  veins,  connected  as  I  am  by  consanguinity  with  the 
Van  Cleves,  and  by  affinity  with  Dr.  Sclah  Woodhull,  one  of 
the  former  Professors  here.  I  was  associated  in  my  Theologi- 
cal education  with  a  member  of  the  well-known  ministerial  fam- 
ily of  Woodbridge,  and  with  a  member  of  another  family  that 
is  likewise  honored  here,  as  it  is  by  all  to  whom  the  missionary 
cause  is  dear.  Dr.  W.  W.  Scudder  having  been  a  classmate  of 
mine.  It  fell  to  my  lot,  after  the  death  of  the  venerable  Dr. 
Archibald  Alexander,  to  conduct,  during  a  part  of  the  vacancy 
that  ensued,  the  instruction  of  a  class  in  a  department  for  which 
I  felt  myself  poorly  prepared.  In  my  emergency  I  looked  for 
help  to  this  Seminary.  Dr.  Cannon's  "  Pastoral  Theology," 
embodying  the  experience  of  his  long  and  useful  life  and  ma- 
tured reflections,  had  just  been  given  to  the  world,  and  during 
my  brief  term  of  service  that  was  the  text-book  in  Princeton 
Seminar)'. 

I  extend  to  you,  Sir,  our  most  hearty  congratulations,  our 
best  wishes  for  the  future  of  this  Institution,  and  our  confident 
assurance  that  it  will  go  on  brightening  and  still  brightening,  and 
doing  more  and  more  nobly  its  wjrk,  until  it  shall  no  longer  be 
necessary  for  any  man  to  teach  his  neighbor,  saying  "  Know 
thou  the  Lord,  for  all  shall  know  Him  from  the  least  unto  the 
greatest." 


212  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


ADDRESS 

By  Prof.  William  Thompson,  D.D.,  of  Hartford,  Conn.. 

Mr.  President,  Fathers  mid  Brethren  : 

Hartford  very  cordially  salutes  New  Brunswick.  I  regret. 
Sir,  for  several  reasons,  the  impossibility  of  one  of  my  associ- 
ates, formerly  in  this  Institution,  being  present  on  this  joyful 
solemnity.  Their  hearts  are  with  you.  But  while  I  regret 
this,  I  am  on  that  account,  my  brethren,  favored  with  a  privi- 
lege which  is  beyond  all  price,  to  become  personally  acquainted 
and  to  shake  hands  with  here  and  there  a  father  and  brother, 
whose  name  has  long  been  familiar  to  my  ears.  It  does  not 
become  me.  Sir,  as  representing  one  of  the  smaller  and  younger 
institutions  in  the  Congregational  family,  to  occupy  many 
moments  of  your  precious  time.  In  point  of  age  we  are  inter- 
mediate, being  older  than  three,  and  younger  than  three,  Con- 
gregational Seminaries.  There  are  some  points  of  resemblance 
between  your  Institution  and  ours  at  Hartford,  of  which  I  am 
reminded  by  the  papers  which  have  been  read,  and  the  remarks 
offered  by  the  brethren.  One  is  the  reference  to  the  early 
struggles,  the  hardships,  the  discouraging  circumstances  at- 
tending the  progress  of  the  Institution  from  its  commence- 
ment, to  a  comparatively  recent  date.  I  have  thought  with 
my  brethren,  that  it  might  be  that  God  trains  institutions 
sometimes  on  the  same  principles  as  individuals,  who  are  des- 
tined to  do  some  service  in  His  kingdom.  Then  I  am  reminded 
of  another  point  of  coincidence — the  migratory  character  of 
the  two  Institutions  in  their  early  period.  I  am  thinking  of 
Flatbush,  and  New  York,  and  New  Brunswick,  and  possibly 
some  other  interior  towns,  and  of  the  proposals  made  at  differ- 
ent times  to  plant  this  Seminary  with  others.  The  same  ex- 
perience might  be  recounted  with  regard  to  the  little  Seminary 
at  Hartford.  Its  location  has  been  twice  changed,  and  three 
times  overtures  have  been  made  for  its  amalgamation  with 
other  Institutions,  but  we  are  at  last  upon  tolerably  sound  and 
firm  foundations.  I  do  not  know  that  these  two  Seminaries 
should  be  spoken  of  as  characteristically  enlisted  in  the  work 
of  Foreign  Missions,  but  whatever  Seminary  slights  or  under- 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  213 

values,  that  sacred  cause  can  never  take  front  rank  in  the 
training  of  ministers  for  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Some 
statistical  genius  had  the  curiosity  not  long  ago  to  ascertain 
which  of  the  Theological  Seminaries  in  our  branch  of  the 
Church  has  sent  the  largest  proportion  of  its  graduates  to 
Home  and  Foreign  Mission  fields;  and  to  our  great  surprise 
and  gratification,  it  was  found  that  it  was  our  own.  We  are 
under  deep  obligation,  Mr.  President,  for  the  accession  of  two 
graduates  of  this  Seminary,  Drs.  Riddle  and  Hartranft,  to  our 
staff  of  Professors.  When  they  came  to  our  ranks  we  were  very 
feeble,  and  not  long  before  that  period,  the  question  whether 
we  should  continue  our  Seminary  was  seriously  debated.  We 
gladly  make  public  acknowledgement  for  the  services  which 
New  Brunswick  has  rendered  to  Hartford  in  lifting  us  from 
that  position  to  one  of  comparative  strength  and  confidence. 
We  are  connected  with  you  by  another  link  in  the  person  of 
your  esteemed  alumnus,  Rev.  Graham  Taylor,  Pastor  of  our 
Fourth  Church,  and  a  Trustee  of  our  Seminary.  His  arduous 
and  fruitful  evangelistic  services  have  acquainted  hundreds  of 
fallen  and  neglected  ones  with  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Under  his  lead  our  students  derive  from  city  mission  work  both 
spiritual  quickening  and  practical  wisdom.  We  lately  cele- 
brated the  Semi-centennial  of  our  Seminary,  which  is  just  half 
as  old  as  yours.  We  have  had  just  half  as  many  Professors  of 
Theology  and  Biblical  Exegesis  as  the  Seminary  at  New 
Brunswick ;  we  have  received  rather  less  than  half  as  much 
money  as  your  favored  Institution  in  aid  of  needy  students. 
In  regard  to  the  number  of  students  connected  with  our  In- 
stitution from  the  beginning,  I  hardly  know  how  accounts 
would  stand.  Our  number  is  about  five  hundred.  There  are 
in  our  senior  class  two  young  men  by  the  name  of  Scudder, 
and  soon  they  will  follow  in  the  steps  of  their  venerated  grand- 
father, their  father,  and  I  know  not  how  many  uncles,  to  the 
Arcot  Mission.  The  Inter-seminary  Missionary  Alliance,  to 
which  allusion  has  just  been  made  by  Dr.  Green,  may  be  traced 
to  two  Institutions,  as  nearly  as  I  am  informed,  Hartford  and 
Princeton.  Each  independently,  without  any  knowledge  of  each 
other's  purposes  and  movements,  took  measures  in  regard  to 
that  association  which  has  already  proved  fruitful  of  good,  and 


214  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

is  prophetic  of  larger  blessings  in  coming  years.  While  the 
name  of  Dr.  John  Henry  Livingston  has  been  often  pro- 
nounced before  you  by  those  who  have  read  valuable  papers 
during  this  Centennial  festival,  allow  me  again  to  suggest  that 
that  one  name  outweighs  the  largest  donations  which  have 
been  contributed  to  your  treasury  from  time  to  time,  to  say 
nothing  of  his  agency  in  establishing  the  Seminary,  and  in 
other  ways  promoting  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  I  refer  to  him 
as  an  illustrious  example  of  that  self  sacrifice  which  is  the  dis- 
tinguishing feature  and  glory  of  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Adding  to  his  vast  labors  of  an  extended  parish  the  duties  of 
a  theological  teacher,  year  after  year  without  compensation,^ 
relinquishing  half  of  his  salary  in  New  York,  and  patiently 
waiting  without  complaint  for  a  series  of  years  for  the  promised 
co-operation  of  the  Synod,  he  stands  forth  as  one  of  the  count- 
less illustrations  of  self-sacrificing  devotion  to  the  kingdom  of 
our  common  Lord,  which  certify  its  heaven-born  origin,  and 
will  serve  as  a  more  powerful  confutation  of  all  infidel  objec- 
tions, than  any  arguments  known  to  the  whole  range  of  Theo- 
logical Science.  And  may  the  influence  of  that  precious  name 
serve  to  mould  and  temper  not  only  the  character  of  the  grad- 
uates of  this  Institution,  but  of  all  who  aspire  to  be  ministers 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 


ADDRESS 

By  Prof.  Howard  Osgood,  D.D.,  of  Rochester,  N.  Y. 

I  bear  to  you.  Sir,  from  the  Baptist  Theological  Seminary, 
at  Rochester,  our  unfeigned,  cordial  congratulations  on  this 
your  Centennial  Anniversary.  We  congratulate  you  not  merely 
that  you  are  a  hundred  years  old,  but  that  here  you  have 
maintained  the  pure  truth  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ;  here  we 
have  known  a  succession  of  men  who  have  illustrated  their 
teaching  by  their  lives.  Because  their  lives  flowed  out  from 
personal  contact  with  the  Lord  Jesus,' their  instruction  was  full 
of  power.  Christ  was  not  to  them  the  centre  of  a  merely 
philosophical  system,  but  the  centre  of  truth  for  the  heart,  as 
well  as  for  the  head.  They  taught  in  accordance  with  your 
confession,  not  because  it  was  an  imposed  confession,  but  be- 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  215 

cause  that  confession  represented  what  they  had  learned  from 
the  Scriptures. 

From  this  Institution  also  we  have  seen  going  forth,  year  by 
year,  men  taught  in  that  spirit  who  have  been  an  honor  to 
you,  and  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  who  have  preached  Jesus  to 
the  hearts  of  men,  and  commended  Him  to  others  by  thier 
lives. 

In  the  years  to  come  shall  not  our  emulation  be,  not  re- 
specting numbers  or  worldly  success,  but  in  striving  to  serve 
our  Divine  Redeemer  more  earnestly,  faithfully,  more  intelli- 
gently and  loyally.  We  hope  that  the  next  hundred  years  of 
this  Seminary's  existence — and  may  it  exist  till  Jesus  comes — 
shall  see  its  great  success  enlarged,  and  by  the  grace  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  may  it  achieve  far  greater  results  than  it  has  wit- 
nessed in  the  past. 

We  look  back  over  your  history  and  ours  with  great  interest 
and  thankfulness.  Three  hundred  years  ago,  when  William 
the  Silent  ruled  in  Holland,  we  knew  each  other,  but  there 
was  a  large  lack  of  love  between  us,  and  we  regarded  each 
other  as  bitter  enemies.  But  I  thank  God  the  day  has  come 
when  the  Reformed  Church  of  Holland,  of  its  own  accord, 
sends  its  letter  of  invitation  to  Baptists,  and  Baptists  accept 
it  with  none  but  the  kindest  feelings. 

The  debt  which  English  Theology  owes  to  the  Church  of 
Holland  has  not  been  sufficiently  acknowledged.  From  the 
beginning  of  the  seventeenth  to  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth 
century,  Holland  w^as  the  home  of  a  long  succession  of  writers 
who  united  fervent  piety  with  the  greatest  attainments  in 
learning.  They  were  the  instructors  of  many  of  the  best 
minds  in  England.  But  many  of  these  writers  are  now  well 
nigh  forgotten.  Principal  Cunningham  in  his  lecture  on 
"  Zwingle  and  the  Sacraments  "  brings  before  us  a  long  list, 
an  acquaintance  with  whose  works  would  be  quite  a  liberal 
education.  But  when,  after  the  middle  of  the  last  century, 
Holland  followed  Germany  in  turning  away  from  the  Bible, 
your  predecessors,  faithful  to  the  Bible,  set  up  here  the  old 
standard  of  loyalty  to  Christ,  and  have  maintained  it  man- 
fully. 

And  I  regard  it  as  a  marked  advance  on  the  common  life  of 


216  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

loyalty  to  Christ,  that,  with  Drs.  Chambers  and  De  Witt  of 
your  body,  with  Dr.  Green  of  Princeton,  Dr.  Day  of  New 
Haven,  and  with  brethren  of  other  bodies,  we  have  for  ten 
years  read  together  and  discussed  the  meaning  of  the  text  of 
the  Bible  from  beginning  to  end,  and  over  and  over  again,  and 
there  is  yet  to  be  spoken  the  first  sharp,  unkind,  unbrotherly 
word.  We  know  each  other  as  men  of  strong,  very  strong 
convictions,  but  under  the  teaching  of  the  Bible  we  have 
learned  that  it  is  the  liberty  of  the  other  man  we  are  carefully 
to  respect  and  grant,  and  when  we  learn  that  we  are  very  sure 
to  preserve  our  own  freedom. 


ADDR  ESS 
By  Prof.  E.  V.  Gerhart,  D.D.,  of  Lancaster,  Pa. 

Mr.  President  : 

The  Reformed  Church  descended  from  Germany  and 
Switzerland,  to-day  greets  the  Reformed  Church  descended 
from  the  Netherlands.  I  come  from  the  provinces,  from 
the  Reformed  Church  in  the  United  States,  bearing  salu- 
tations to  the  Church  to  which  belongs  the  whole  Continent — 
the  Reformed  Church  in  North  America — in  America,  brethren; 
that  is  still  broader.  I  represent,  Sir,  seven  Synods — three 
German-speaking  and  four  English-speaking  Synods, — fifty- 
three  Classes,  eight  hundred  ministers,  fifteen  hundred  congrega- 
tions, and  a  membership  numbering  at  least  one  hundred  and 
seventy-five  thousand.  The  reigning  sentiment  of  this  minis- 
try, these  Synods  and  this  membership  is  that  of  positive  sym- 
pathy with  you  in  the  thanksgivings  and  joys  of  this  Centen- 
nial celebration. 

Noxv,  you  and  we  speak  the  same  language — at  least  in  great 
part.  In  the  sessions  of  our  General  Synod  we  speak  the  two 
languages,  German  and  English,  though  predominantly  the 
English.  The  majority  of  our  churches  now  use  the  English 
tongue.  In  times  gone  by  it  was  not  so.  In  the  Fatherland 
you  were  exclusively  Dutch  and  we  were  exclusively  German. 
Difference  of  country  and  difference  of  speech  tended  to  make 
us  conscious  of  our  denominational  differences  ;  and  when  our 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  217 

fathers  migrated  to  this  free  land,  that  same  differentiating 
force  was  perpetuated.  Some  years  ago,  however,  you  saw  fit 
to  drop  the  word  Dutch  in  your  title,  and  we  saw  fit  to 
drop  the  word  German,  so  that  we  now  have  nearly  the 
same  cognomen,  e.xcept  that  you  belong  to  America  and  we 
to  the  United  States.  And  yet.  Sir,  there  is  not  much  differ- 
ence between  Dutch  and  Deutsch ;  it  is  only  the  little 
vowel  ''  e  "  which  divided  us  as  to  title.  The  Dutch  language 
is  better  in  Holland,  and  the  German  language  is  better  in  Ger- 
many ;  but  on  this  American  soil,  at  Lancaster  as  at  New  Bruns- 
wick, no  less  than  at  Princeton  and  Andover,  Anglo-American 
speech  is  better  and  works  to  better  purpose  as  to  vitality,  broth- 
erly love  and  heartfelt,  active  cooperation  in  the  service  of 
Jesus  Christ.  After  all,  however,  you  and  we  have  only  fallen 
back  on  our  original  title  ;  for  in  Europe  you  were  the  Re- 
formed Church  of  Holland,  and  we  were  the  Reformirte 
Kirche  in  Germany.  Our  fathers  were  a  little  jealous  of  each 
other  after  they  had  settled  in  this  country.  When  the  Coetus 
in  1793  resolved  itself  into  an  independent  body,  the  fathers  of 
the  German  Reformed  Church  did  not  wish  to  be  identified  or 
mixed  up  with  you;  so  they  called  themselves  "  Hoch 
Deutsch,"  in  order  to  be  distinguished  from  you,  who  were 
called  "  Nieder-Deutsch."  For  in  the  German  language  there 
is  no  word  for  Dutch  except  Deutsch ;  but  this  word  Deutsch 
is  the  derivative  of  Teuton,  and  the  Teutonic  is  the  common 
origin  of  Dutch,  German  and  English  speech 

We  have  fallen  back,  then,  on  our  original  title,  and  I  think 
it  is  wise,  although  there  are  some  among  you  who  differ  from 
me  in  this  opinion,  and  some  among  us  who  doubt  the  wisdom 
of  the  change.  But  English  has  in  it  for  us  more  unifying 
force  than  either  the  Dutch  or  the  German,  especially  on 
American  soil. 

Strong  words  to-day  mean  great  things ;  strong  words  ex- 
press heartfelt  convictions.  When  I  say  that  we  greet  you,  it 
comes  from  my  heart.  I  woke  up,  when  I  received  the  invi- 
tation from  Dr.  Van  Cleef,  to  an  historical  fact  of  which  I  was 
indeed  cognizant  before,  but  it  had  escaped  my  attention,  that 
the  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick  is  the  oldest  Theological  School 
in  this  country.     One  hundred  years  of  faithful  service  in  the 


218  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

education  of  an  able  ministry  is  completed.  I  rejoice  that  a 
Reformed  Church — a  Church  bearing  that  title,  stands  in  the 
vanguard  of  theological  culture  on  American  soil.  Though  it 
be  Dutch  instead  of  German,  yet  I  do  not  forget  that,  stream- 
ing in  the  wind  and  nailed  to  the  flagstaff  of  your  ecclesiastical 
ship,  floats  the  old  precious  banner  of  the  Heidelberg  Cate- 
chism, under  which  we,  like  yourselves,  have  been  and  still  are 
sailing. 

We  followed,  Sir,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  forty  years  later.  Whilst 
in  1784  you  resolved  to  establish  a  Theological  Seminary  and 
elected  your  Professor,  we  did  not  take  that  step  until  1824  at 
the  Synod  of  Bedford.  The  following  spring  we  opened  the 
Institution  at  Carlisle  ;  and  I  must  add,  following  in  the  wake 
of  some  of  the  brethren  who  have  preceded  me,  we  have  moved 
a  little  oftener  than  you.  From  Carlisle  to  York,  from  York  to 
Mercersburg,  and  thence  to  Lancaster.  I  rejoice.  Sir,  not  that 
we  have  lagged  behind  you  forty  years,  but  that  whilst  we  were 
loitering,  you  were  in  advance  of  us. 

I  honor  the  instinct  of  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  Church,  which  resolved  to  extend  invitations  to  so  many 
Theological  Seminaries  of  this  country.  You  went  on  the 
presumption  that  you  were  in  positive  sympathy  with  those 
Institutions,  and  they  with  you.  And  that  was  not  a  presump- 
tion without  a  basis.  Presbyterians,  Congregationalists,  Ger- 
man Reformed,  Dutch  Reformed  and  other  bodies  represented 
here  to-day  are  differentiations  of  one  original  Reformed  type. 
They  are  of  one  household,  though  they  pronounce  a  different 
shibboleth.  There  are  at  least  three  types  of  Christian  life  and 
Christian  apprehension  in  the  New  Testament.  There  are 
two  strongly  marked  tendencies  in  the  early  Christian  Church 
— Jewish-Christian  and  Gentile- Christian.  There  are  at  least 
two  equally  strongly-marked  tendencies  in  the  sixteenth  cen- 
tury, Lutheran  and  Reformed.  And  so  are  there  differentia- 
tions of  the  original  Reformed  type  of  faith.  Though  we  vary, 
one  life  blood  runs  through  our  arteries.  We  have  a  common 
inheritance,  and  we  cherish  common  devotion.  When  thirty  to 
fifty  years  ago,  we  laid  great  stress  on  denominational  differences, 
it  was  said  that  denominations  were  good  ;  now  the  opposite 
tendency  has  set   in  toward  union — I  do  not  know  whether  or 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  21!) 

not  it  is  towards  identification  ;  and  there  is  some  disposition 
to  regard  denominational  organizations  as  an  evil.  But,  my 
brethren,  I  think  there  is  truth  in  both.  Unity  involves  di- 
versity, and  diversity  presu{)poses  unity.  We  have  the  word 
of  inspiration  for  it,  that  as  there  is  one  body  but  many  mem- 
bers, and  all  the  members  of  that  one  body  being  many  are 
one  body,  so  also  is  Christ  ;  for  by  one  spirit  are  we  all  bap- 
tized into  one  body,  whether  we  be  Jews  or  Gentiles,  bond  or 
free,  and  have  been  all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit  ;  for  the 
body  is  not  one  member,  but  many.  There  are  diversified 
"  charisms "  or  gifts  in  the  Christian  Church,  and  diverse 
types  in  the  life  of  Christianity.  In  the  early  Church  each 
member,  each  type,  had  an  office  and  a  function  ;  so  I  believe 
there  are  offices  and  legitimate  functions  to  be  fulfilled  by  the 
manifold  working  of  that  one  rich  Christian  life  which  has  organ- 
ized itself  into  different  Schools  of  Christian  education  and 
Christian  culture. 

Let  me  add  that  we  have  been  linked  together,  the  German 
Reformed  and  the  Dutch  Reformed,  in  the  work  of  theological 
education.  It  may  not  be  known  to  many  among  you  that  the 
second  Professor  of  your  Theological  Seminary  was  of  our 
body.  Dr.  Milledoler  was  born,  bred  and  ordained  in  the 
German  Reformed  Church.  For  many  years  he  was  a  pastor 
of  a  German  Church,  and  was  a  member  of  our  Synod.  Tradi- 
tion says  that  he  was  also  the  first  choice  for  the  chair  of  Sys- 
tematic Theology  in  our  Seminary.  This  is  a  link  connecting 
us  with  your  Institution.  Mr.  President,  my  heart  moves  me 
to  say  many  things,  but  I  forbear.  Accept  these  few  words 
of  positive  sympathy  and  heartfelt  congratulation. 


ADD  RESS 

By  Prof.  Samuel  M.  Hopkins,  D.D.,  of  Auburn,  N.  Y. 

Mr.  Chairman  : 

This  is  a  day  of  congratulations,  and  I  bring  you  the  hearty 
congratulations  and  best  wishes  of  the  Auburn  Seminary.  And 
since  the  diocese  of  Auburn  extends  from  Albany  to  BufTalo,  I 
may  say  that  I  bring  you  the  congratulations  of  the    Presby- 


320  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

terian  Church  in  the  northern,  central  and  western  part  of  the 
State  of  New  York.  At  Auburn,  we  were  not  born  quite  as 
soon  as  you  were,  and  consequently  are  not  quite  so  old.  We 
have  yet  to  reach  our  three  score  years  and  ten.  We  therefore 
look  up  to  you  with  a  degree  of  deference  and  respect,  and 
come  in  the  name  of  our  brethren  to  congratulate  you  on  your 
venerable  and  vigorous  and  fruitful  old  age.  Just  a  hundred 
years  old  !  You  are  as  young  as  Abraham  was  when  he  begat 
his  first  child.  But  you  already  have  a  numerous  family  ;  your 
sons  are  as  olive  sprouts  around  your  table — a  thicket  of  them — 
a  whole  forest.  They  rise  up  to-day  and  call  you  blessed. 
They  overshadow  you  with  their  benedictions,  and  I  hope  also 
will  load  you  down  with  their  benefactions.  We  wish  you 
many  years  of  prosperity.  You  are  young  enough  to  go  on 
and  beget  a  numerous  seed  yet.  If  we  could  speak  Dutch 
■even  as  "she  is  spoke"  by  those  who  know  nothing  about  her, 
we  would  say,  ^'Brunswick  boven  /"  I  believe  that  means  "  New 
Brunswick  forever."  In  the  field  covered  by  the  Auburn  Sem- 
inary, Sir,  we  have  no  sense  of  any  diversity  of  interest  between 
your  Church  and  ours.  We  cover  nearly  the  same  ground  ; 
we  lie  down  together  like  the  lion  and  the  lamb.  Sometimes 
it  happens  that  a  part  of  the  lamb  gets  inside  of  the  lion.  It 
is  not  very  long  since  when  one  of  the  churches  connected 
■with  the  Classis  of  Cayuga  made  application  to  the  Classis  to 
be  transferred  to  the  Presbytery  of  Cayuga.  They  had  made 
up  their  minds  that  their  interests  would  be  promoted  by  the 
transfer,  and  they  applied  to  the  Classis  to  transfer  them  to  the 
Presbytery  of  Cayuga.  And  the  Classis,  with  most  praise- 
worthy liberality,  made  the  transfer,  and  that  Church  was  re- 
ceived within  the  limits  of  the  Presbytery  at  a  recent  meeting 
held  since  I  came  away.  I  suppose  it  is  quite  immaterial  to 
observe  that  it  was  in  a  moribund  condition,  and  would  take  a 
vast  amount  of  Presbyterian  beef  tea  and  nursing  to  bring  it 
through;  but  I  do  not  mean  to  insinuate  that  that  has  any- 
thing to  do  with  the  transfer.  I  may  also  mention  to  you,  Sir, 
that  a  distinguished  gentleman  who  was  made  Moderator  of 
the  Synod  of  New  York  at  its  last  meeting,  was  not  more  than 
six  or  eight  years  ago,  the  President  of  your  General  Synod> 
Dr.  John  McClellan  Holmes.    He  may  have  lost  a  little  dignity 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  221 

by  coming  into  the  Presbyterian  Church,  for  when  he  was  with 
you  he  was  President,  and  now  he  is  only  a  Moderator.  We 
pass  from  one  side  to  the  other  \vith  very  Httle  difificulty,  and 
it  is  not  unfrequently  the  case  that  our  esteemed  brethren  find 
it  convenient  to  do  so.  Any  one  who  gets  a  chance  to  go  from 
us  does  not  find  it  difficult  to  work  in  a  "  Dutch  collar,"  and 
the  same  is  the  case  when  you  come  within  our  bounds.  And 
some  pass  back  and  forth  so  often  that  we  cannot  keep  account 
of  them  at  all.  We  have  no  sense  of  diversity  of  interests 
whatever  between  you  and  us.  We  teach  at  Auburn  Theo- 
logical Seminary  the  same  noble,  closely  articulated  system  of 
Theology,  the  Calvinistic,  the  Augustinian  and  the  Pauline, 
which  you  teach  here,  under  which  all  great  struggles  for  civil 
and  religious  liberty  nearly  have  been  fought  out  to  a  triumph- 
ant conclusion.  We  teach  the  same  polity  which  you  teach  here,, 
the  same  apostolic  order  and  the  same  apostolic  succession  that 
you  do  here.  We  subscribe  to  the  same  glorious  symbols  that 
you  honor  here.  I  do  not  suppose  anybody  will  deny  this,  but  if 
anybody  does,  tell  him  that  he  has  two  lacks,  the  lack  of  knowl- 
edge and  the  lack  of  charity. 


ADDRESS 

By  Prof.  Charles  E.  Knox,  D.D.,  of  Bloomfield,  N.  J. 

The  least  and  the  youngest  of  the  Theological  Schools  pre- 
sents its  congratulations  and  respects  to  the  oldest  and  the 
most  truly  venerable  of  our  Institutions.  I  come  here,  Sir,  as 
the  representative  of  our  Missionary  Theological  School,  to 
gather  inspiration  from  your  history,  and  from  this  occasion. 
We  venture  to  have  an  existence,  and  we  are  inspired  with 
Christian  courage  and  Christian  faith,  because  we  see  what 
you  have  accomplished  after  a  long  period  of  struggle.  Out 
of  the  midst  of  the  burden  of  many  details  and  complications 
and  entanglements,  of  diverse  distracting  duties  in  your  orig- 
inal Faculty  and  Professors,  you  have  come  forth  to  this  ma- 
ture, productive  period  of  life  in  this  Institution,  and  in  your 
Church.  And  since  we  are  in  the  earlier  period  of  labor  in 
our  young  Institution,  gathering  from  the  beginning,  and  plac- 


222  CENTENNIAL    MEMORIAL. 

ing  detail  to  detail,  often  embarrassed  by  our  obstacles  and 
difficulties,  we  look  to  you  at  this  period  of  your  history,  and 
find  new  courage,  new  faith,  and  new  hope  in  all  our  work. 
And  what  we  observe,  Sir,  in  this  Institution  and  in  the  body 
which  you  represent,  for  our  own  inspiration  most  of  all,  is 
the  beautiful  harmony  of  sound  learning,  sound  theology,  and 
sound  practical  piety.  Your  learning  has  not  run  into  ration- 
alistic pride.  Your  Calvinism  has  not  run  into  a  mere  dead 
orthodoxy.  Your  practical  life  has  not  become  a  mere  dry 
human  morality,  nor  a  mere  sentiment.  We  hope,  Sir,  by  the 
grace  and  the  help  of  God,  in  the  pursuit  of  that  same  mis- 
sionary object  which  animated  your  Institution  here  in  the 
beginning,  to  attain  to  something  of  the  same  character,  and 
to  produce  something  of  the  same  effect  in  the  end. 

Well,  Sir,  though  we  are  yet  young,  I  have  been  reminded 
of  one  thing  since  one  of  the  brethren  has  spoken,  whereof  we 
may  glory.  For  it  is  proper,  I  understand,  for  a  Theological 
Seminary  to  take  some  pride  and  to  feel  some  glory  in  the 
fact  of  having  sent  forth  missionaries.  We  do  with  some  re- 
gret, at  the  same  time  that  we  refer  to  it  with  honor,  affect  to 
say  that  we  must  take  the  palm  for  missionary  graduates  even 
from  Hartford,  inasmuch  as  a/l  our  students  and  «// our  alumni 
are  /w7ne  missionaries. 

Mr.  President,  we  stand  with  great  respect  in  the  presence  of 
our  brethren,  the  Dutch.  I  stand  in  healthy  awe  in  regard  to 
our  ancestral  relations,  both  in  the  family  and  in  my  unex- 
pected work  in  New  Jersey  among  the  German  people.  The 
members  of  the  Scotch  family  which  I  represent  came  to  this 
country  a  century  and  a  quarter  ago  from  the  north  of  Ireland. 
One  of  that  general  family,  avoiding  the  Holland  people, 
passed  into  Pennsylvania,  but  the  Dutch  captured  him,  and 
placed  him  in  the  Collegiate  Dutch  Church  in  New  York. 
Another  branch  of  the  family,  avoiding  New  Amsterdam  and 
Fort  Orange,  passed  up  to  Schenectady,  and  during  their  fifty 
years'  progress  through  the  Mohawk  Valley  one  generation  of 
them  was  also  captured  by  the  Dutch,  and  were  made  members 
of  the  Dutch  Church  in  the  vicinity  of  Canajoharie.  My  own 
father,  John  Knox,  born  the  same  year  as  the  John  Knox  of 
Pennsylvania,  afterwards  escaped  from  the  especial  realm  of  the 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  228 

Dutch  people,  and  became  a  Presb\'terian  ;  and  now  I  suppose  I 
am  gradually  coming  around  through  the  German  to  the  Dutch 
again.  Well,  Sir,  in  looking  over  the  history  of  the  Newark 
colony,  I  have  observed  that  there  was  a  strong  influence  on 
the  Puritans  of  that  colony  by  the  Dutch  people.  While  the 
Puritans  were  ambitious  to  gain  larger  territory  from  the 
north,  and  to  secure  it  from  the  Indians,  the  Dutch  also  had 
their  eye  on  the  tract,  and  although  the  Puritans  thought 
them  slow,  the  Dutch  were  too  quick  for  them,  and  purchased 
the  tract  from  the  Indians,  and  also  from  the  Proprietors  of 
New  Jersey.  They  poured  in  their  population,  and  planted 
their  churches  from  Hackensack  at  Acquakanonck,  Totowa, 
Pompton  Plains,  Boonton,  away  over  the  Hamburg  moun- 
tains, to  the  Minisink  island.  With  the  Dutch  looking  down 
upon  us  all  along  the  line  on  the  north,  and  the  Dutch  looking 
at  us  all  across  central  New  Jersey  on  the  south,  we  have  not 
ventured  to  be  otherwise  than  orthodox. 

And  now,  Sir,  into  the  ancient  colonies  of  Bergen  and  New- 
ark has  come  an  infusion  of  fifty  or  sixty  or  seventy  thousand 
modern  Germans.  We  are  obliged  to  say.  Sir,  that  their  great 
learning  has  been  touched  too  often  with  rationalistic  pride, 
their  Theology  allied  too  often  to  a  dead  orthodoxy,  their 
practical  piety  has  become  too  often  mere  morality  or  admira- 
tion of  nature.  We  join  with  your  Institution,  as  well  as  with 
others  among  our  German  brethren,  in  effort  to  give  them  a 
pure  ministry,  a  pure  Church,  and  a  pure  Gospel. 

Although  my  heart  prompts  it,  it  is  not  proper  for  me,  rep- 
resenting as  I  do  the  youngest  Institution,  to  prolong  these 
remarks.  There  are  others  here  who  are  to  speak  for  older 
Institutions.  Accept  our  most  cordial  and  hearty  congratula- 
tions, which  we  bring  to  the  venerable  Institution  and  to  the 
Church  represented  here  to-day.  It  only  remains  for  me  to 
say,  Sir,  that  we  extend  a  cordial  invitation  to  the  officers  and 
members  of  your  Synod,  to  the  Faculty  of  your  Seminary,  and 
to  all  the  friends  here  assembled  to  attend  at  our  own  centen- 
nial celebration,  which  will  be  eighty  five  years  hence. 


224  CENTENNIAL    MEMORIAL. 


ADDRESS 
By  Prof.  Henry  A.  Buttz,  D.D.,  of  Drew  Seminary,  Madison,  N.  J. 
Mr.  President,  Fathers  and  Brethren  : 

I  regard  it  as  a  great  privilege  to  be  permitted  to  stand  in 
this  presence,  and  to  present  the  congratulations  of  Drew  Sem- 
inary to  the  Seminary  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  on 
the  occasion  of  its  Centennial  Anniversary.  I  will  say  to  you,. 
Sir,  that  in  all  the  congratulations  you  have  this  day  received, 
there  is  no  Institution  that  greets  you  more  heartily  and  sin- 
cerely than  does  Drew  Seminary,  in  whose  behalf  I  speak.  We 
congratulate  you  on  what  your  Seminary  has  done,  not  only  in 
the  great  denomination  to  which  it  belongs,  but  also  for  its 
services  to  the  cause  of  Christ  throughout  the  entire  world. 
We  congratulate  you  on  your  noble  founder,  on  your  glorious 
history,  and  on  the  bright  future  which  awaits  this  Seminary. 
There  are  many  things  you  have  accomplished  of  which  we 
might  speak,  things  you  have  done  for  which  the  whole  Church 
has  abundant  cause  of  rejoicing.  You  have  made  rich  contri- 
butions to  Biblical  Literature  and  to  Christian  thought.  Your 
pious  and  learned  Professors  have,  by  their  thorough  scholar- 
ship and  labors,  made  this  Institution  known  throughout  the 
Christian  world.  And  most  important  is  the  service  which 
your  Faculty  have  rendered  in  their  professorial  labors, 
as  instructors  of  young  men  for  the  ministry  of  the  Son  of  God  ; 
for  in  all  parts  of  the  world  where  men  live,  this  Theological 
Seminary  has  its  students  preaching  the  glorious  gospel  of  the 
blessed  God.  We  congratulate  you,  too,  upon  the  fact  that 
this  Seminary  has  maintained  such  a  vigorous  and  loyal  ortho- 
doxy in  the  midst  of  the  progressing  skeptical  tendencies  of 
our  age.  We  also  hold  these  great  doctrines  in  common  with 
you,  and  I  may  add  that  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  is 
also  the  outgrowth  of  the  Reformation.  It  was  at  a  little 
meeting  in  Aldersgate  street,  London,  when  some  one  was 
reading  Luther's  preface  to  the  epistle  to  the  Romans,  that 
John  Wesley  felt  "  his  heart  strangely  warmed."  This  was 
really  the  starting  point  of  our  Church,  the  hundredth  Anni- 
versary of  whose  existence  we  celebrate  this  year.  We  remem- 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  225 

ber  with  joy,  that  the  old  fathers   of   the  Reformed    Church 
were  our  fathers  too.     The  legacy  that  has  come    down  from 
the  great  Reformers  is  held  just  as  loyally,  and  their  lives  es- 
teemed just  as  highly  in  the  Church  to  which  I   belong,  as  in 
the  Church  represented  here  to-day.     We  hold  the  great  car- 
dinal doctrines  of  the  Reformation  ;  Romans  and  Galatians,  Sir, 
are  our  text-books  as  they  are  yours.     We  believe  that   in   the 
Bible,  and  there  only,  are    to  be    found  the  great  doctrines  on 
which  the  Church   has  rested   in  the  past,  and  on  which  the 
Church  is  to  rest  in    the   future.     We  may  differ,  Sir,  in  some 
minor  forms  of  interpretation,  but  there  is  one   thing  that   we 
believe  in  common  with  the  whole  historic  Church  of  Christ, 
that  man  is  a  great  sinner,   and  that   Jesus  Christ   is  a  great 
Savior.     We  teach   and  believe   the  great   doctrines  of  grace, 
which  have  come  down  to  us  through   the  fathers   of  the  Re- 
formation.     May  I  be  allowed,  Sir,  in  closing,  a  brief  personal 
reference?     There  are  times  when  the  tongue  refuses  to  obey 
the  bidding  of  the  heart;   and  that  time  is  now.     I  stand  in 
a  place  sacred  to  me,  because  I  was  permitted  for  a  while    to 
tread  the   halls  of  your  Seminary,  and  to  enjoy  the  instruction 
of  its  Faculty.      Some  of  those  noble  men  have   passed   on   to 
their  reward  ;    but  two  precious  names  of  the  Faculty  of  that 
time  are  with  you  to-day,  Dr.   Campbell  and  Dr.  Woodbridge. 
At  their  feet.  Sir,  I  was  permitted  to  sit,  and  from  them  to  gain 
inspiration  which  has  been  with  me  until  this   hour,  and  which 
shall  remain  with  me  while  life  shall  last.     And  to  those  noble 
men,  and    to  this  Institution,   which    received  me   so  kindly 
though   belonging  to  another  denomination,  I  pay   the  most 
loyal  tribute  of  my  heart.     God  bless  you,  and  God  bless  this 
Institution,  and  make  it  even  more  useful  in  the  future  than  it 
has  been  in  the  past.     And  when  the  second    Centennial  shall 
have  come  and  gone,  may  your  students  still  be  preaching  the 
gospel  in  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  the   Reformed   Church  in 
America  still  be  doing  its  work,  more  firmly  established  than 
ever. 


15 


226  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


ADDRESS 


By  Prof.  George  L.  Prentess,  D.D.,  of  the  Union  Theological 

Seminary,  New  York. 

When  it  was  proposed,  Mr.  President,  that  I  should  repre- 
sent the  Union  Seminary  here  to-day,  the  state  of  my  health 
and  the  pressure  of  other  duties  led  me  at  first  to  decline  the 
appointment.  "  I  cannot  go,"  I  said,  although  reminded  how 
short  the  journey  was,  and  wishing  much  to  be  present.  But  let 
me  say  now,  that  had  I  known  what  I  was  going  to  witness  and 
what  I  was  going  to  hear  this  afternoon,  how  deeply  my 
whole  heart  and  soul  would  be  exercised  and  uplifted  by  the 
stirring  memories  and  thoughts  of  the  hour,  a  journey  of  a 
thousand  miles  should  not  have  kept  me  away,  and  I  am  al- 
most ready  to  declare  that  it  is  the  best  meeting  I  ever  attend- 
ed.    Certainly,  I  never  took  part  in  a  better  one. 

And  now  it  gives  me  the  greatest  pleasure  to  bring  to  you 
the  hearty  greeting  and  congratulations  of  the  Union  Theo- 
logical Seminary.  While  we  honor  you  for  your  venerable 
•  age,  we  honor  you  still  more  for  the  example,  during  all  these 
hundred  years,  of  your  steadfast  devotion  to  the  cause  at  once 
■of  sacred  science,  of  a  learned  ministry,  and  of  the  faith  once 
•delivered  to  the  saints.  Your  founder  and  first  Professor,  the 
venerated  Livingston,  was  also,  as  you  know,  for  more  than  a 
quarter  of  a  century  a  leading  pastor  in  New  York.  He  be- 
came in  that  city  a  theological  power,  an  institution,  I 
/might  almost  say  ;  nor  have  I  any  doubt  that,  indirectly  at 
ileast,  his  influence  was  felt  in  producing  and  developing  the 
strong  Presbyterian  sentiment  in  favor  of  a  more  systematic 
training  for  the  sacred  ministry,  which  at  a  later  day  called  the 
Union  Seminary  into  existence.  You  were  singularly  favored 
of  Providence  in  having  such  a  founder.  I  have  had  occasion 
recently  to  look  over  his  life.  What  a  wise  theologian  he 
was  !  what  a  true  peacemaker  !  how  far-sighted,  how  patient 
and  conciliatory,  how  full  of  apostolic  zeal  for  Christ  and  the 
Church !  God  gave  him,  in  uncommon  measure,  the  spirit 
of  power,  and  of  love,  and  of  a  sound  mind.  Great  men  are 
wont  to  impress  something  of  their  own  individuality  upon  the 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  227 

institutions  which  they  found.  It  was  evidently  so  in  the 
case  of  Dr.  Livingston.  His  spirit  has  lived  on  in  the  Church 
which  he  reorganized,  and  in  this  Institution.  And  it  is  a 
spirit  with  which  the  Union  Theological  Seminary  is,  and  has 
ever  been,  in  the  fullest  sympathy. 

We  are  in  sympathy  with  you  also  in  your  loyal  attachment 
to  the  great  principles  of  the  Reformed  faith.  You  hold  that 
faith  as  it  is  embodied  in  the  Heidelberg  Catechism — not  to 
speak  of  other  Standards  of  your  Church  ;  we  hold  it  as  it  is 
embodied  in  the  Confession  of  the  Westminster  Assembly. 
But  we  stand  upon  substantially  one  and  the  same  theologi- 
cal platform.  While  there  are  diversities  of  gifts,  there  is  the 
same  Spirit.  Never  have  I  felt  it  more  strongly  than  to-day. 
And  in  saying  this  I  rejoice  to  include  our  Baptist  brethren, 
and  our  Methodist  brethren,  from  whose  honored  delegates  we 
have  just  heard  such  truly  fraternal,  wise  and  Christian  words. 
When  you  come  down  to  the  great  vital  and  vitalizing  truths 
of  the  Gospel,  we  all  stand,  I  say,  upon  essentially  the  same 
platform.  We  are  all  one  in  Christ  Jesus.  We  love  and  adore 
Him  with  our  whole  mind,  and  soul,  and  strength.  We  trust 
in  Him  as  our  atoning  Lord  and  Savior.  Our  devotion  to 
Him  as  our  Divine  Master  is  absolute  and  supreme. 

As  to  differences  of  dogmatic  statement,  it  seems  to  me  they 
are  far  less  sharp  and  positive  than  they  used  to  be.  An  illus- 
tration of  the  theological  teaching  of  Union  Seminary  has 
been  given  to  the  world  recently  in  the  lectures  of  my  lamented 
friend — that  model  of  the  Christian  scholar  and  divine — Henry 
B.  Smith  ;  and  none  have  greeted  the  work  with  heartier  praise 
and  approval  than  eminent  ministers  of  your  own  Church. 
Perhaps  you  are  a  little  more  conservative  and  emphatic  in 
your  Calvinism  than  we  are.  Possibly  we  are  a  little  more 
progressive  than  you  are.  We  have  always  sustained  very 
close  relations  with  our  Congregational  brethren,  and  the  New 
England  element,  which  ever  aims  to  be  in  the  vanguard  of 
Christian  progress,  has  been  potential  in  shaping  our  history. 
Some  of  the  most  generous  friends  of  the  Union  Seminary  and 
many  of  its  teachers  have  come  from  New  England,  or  were  of 
New  England  parentage.  But  you  and  we,  I  am  sure,  are  of 
the  same  mind  in   this,  that  the  framers  of  our  admirable  Con- 


238  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

fessions  and  Catechisms  were  not  infallible  or  inspired  men  ; 
we  do  not  claim  that  for  them.  Nor  do  we  disagree  in  this, 
that  since  those  faithful  men  lived,  more  than  two  and  a  half 
or  three  centuries  ago,  a  great  deal  of  light  has  broken  forth 
out  of  God's  Holy  Word.  We  expect  that  a  great  deal  more 
will  break  forth  in  the  years  to  come.  It  will  break  forth  upon 
the  Churches  of  the  Reformed  communion,  upon  the  Presby- 
terian Churches  of  every  name,  upon  the  Episcopal,  and  Con- 
gregational, and  Baptist,  and  Methodist,  and  all  the  other 
Churches  of  Christ ;  and  it  will  lead  them  nearer  to  Him  and 
nearer  to  each  other  in  Him.  We  believe,  then,  in  being  con- 
servative, and  at  the  same  time  in  being  hospitable  to  the  new 
truth  and  the  new  aspects  of  old  truth,  which  in  the  way  of 
prayer  and  deeper  study  of  the  inspired  Scriptures  and  richer 
experience,  may  be  disclosed  to  us.  If  I  do  not  altogether 
mistake  the  signs  of  the  times,  you  and  we,  in  common  with  all 
other  Churches  of  evangelical  Christendom,  are  coming  to  un- 
derstand better  the  true  relations  of  the  present  to  the  past,  and 
of  both  the  past  and  the  present  to  the  future.  We  see  that 
while  the  principles  of  our  holy  faith  are  immutable,  there  is 
still  room  for  a  more  perfect  understanding  of  these  principles^ 
and  for  their  fuller  application  to  human  life  and  conduct. 
They  are  not  for  a  day,  but  for  all  time  ;  and  that  is  why  they 
contain  within  themselves  such  endless  power  of  growth  and 
reproduction.  Of  this  old  faith  of  the  Church  one  may  say 
what  a  Greek  philosopher  said  of  the  Sybil  : 

"  Not  her's 
To  win  the  sense  by  words  of  rhetoric, 
Lip-blossoms  breathing  perishable  sweets  ; 
But,  by  the  power  of  the  informing  Word, 
Roll  sounding  onward  through  a  thousand  years 
Her  deep  prophetic  bodements." 

Once  more  let  me  say  how  glad  I  am  to  be  with  you,  and 
how  greatly  I  have  been  refreshed  and  edified  by  the  exercises 
of  this  memorable  occasion.  And  now  may  the  blessing  of 
God  rest  upon  this  Seminary  in  the  future,  as  in  the  past,  ren- 
dering it  a  still  richer  fountain  of  sound  doctrine,  and  of  be- 
nign, saving  influence,  not  to  our  own  land  only,  but  to  all^ 
America,  and  to  the  whole  world. 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  229 

ADDRESS 
By  Prof.  George  E.  Day,  D.D.,  of  New  Haven,  Conn. 

Perhaps,  Mr.  President,  the  best  thing  I  could  do  at  this  late 
hour,  would  be  to  express  my  hearty  concurrence  in  the  good 
and  Christian  utterances  to  which  we  have  listened,  and  simply 
to  say  that  in  this  covimunion  of  theologians,  second  only  in  im- 
portance to  the  communion  of  saints,  we  have  no  doubtful  in- 
dication that  the  expected  Millennium  is  drawing  near.  But 
my  associates  in  the  Theological  Faculty  of  Yale  College  would 
never  forgive  me  if  I  did  not  comimunicate  to  you  distinctly 
their  cordial  congratulations  on  your  long  and  honorable  his- 
tory, and  on  your  present  prosperity,  and  their  best  wishes  for 
your  prosperity  and  success  in  the  times  to  come.  In  enjoying 
these  admirable  arrangements  and  this  fellowship  of  believers, 
in  looking  at  these  completed  buildings  and  at  the  choice  col- 
lection of  books  which  constitute  your  noble  library,  and  in 
listening  to  the  record  of  the  liberal  contributions  within  the 
last  few  years  to  your  funds,  it  has  been  no  small  pleasure  to 
me  to  think  of  some  of  the  bonds  which  connect  the  two  Semin- 
aries at  New  Brunswick  and  New  Haven.  First  of  all  and 
greatest  of  all  is  the  common  union  with  Christ,  in  which 
through  the  grace  of  God  we  all  rejoice  to-day.  Your  Saviour 
and  ours  is  one.  The  Church  which  you  love  and  whose  ex- 
tension and  triumph  you  seek  to  promote,  is  the  same  Church 
to  which  we  give  our  efforts  and  prayers.  And  so,  over  and 
above  these  denominational  lines  which  separate  us,  is  our 
common  and  indissoluble  union  in  Christ.  In  your  letter  of 
invitation  was  the  grand  Dutch  motto,  which  I  rejoice  this 
Seminary  has  adopted  as  its  own,  and  which  stands  in  large 
letters  on  the  front  of  this  pulpit  to-day,  Eendracht  niaakt  macJit, 
"  Union  makes  Strength."  May  the  strength  of  this  Seminary 
and  the  strength  of  all  Theological  Seminaries  ever  be  in  the 
great  union  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

Reference  has  been  made  more  than  once — and  in  it  we  most 
heartily  rejoice — to  the  firm  position  which  this  Seminary,  and 
this  body  of  believers  have  ever  taken  in  the  defence  and 
maintenance  of  Christian  truth.     Standing  side  by  side  on  the 


230  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

same  platform,  let  us  never  forget  that  there  is  also  a  duty,  be- 
sides holding  the  truth,  and  that  is  to  hold  it  in  love.  Let  us 
remember  that  it  is  laid  upon  the  Christian  Church  to  make 
progress  in  the  discovery,  and  exhibition,  and  application  of 
that  truth  as  it  is  found  in  the  Scriptures,  And  let  us  fear- 
lessly testify  that  further  light  is  to  be  ever  expected  to  break 
forth  from  the  Word  of  God,  and  that  we  have  a  duty  which 
pertains  to  us  which  never  belonged  to  the  generations  which 
went  before  us,  namely,  to  apply  and  adapt  this  truth  as  it 
stands  in  the  Scriptures,  to  the  living  generation  among  whom 
our  lot  is  cast.  It  is  in  the  firm  hope  and  expectation  of  this 
that  we  rejoice  in  the  prosperity  and  success  of  this  Institution 
and  of  all  Institutions  represented  here  to-day. 

There  is  another  ground  of  union  which  connects  us  more 
especially  with  the  body  of  believers  represented  by  this  Theo- 
logical Seminary.  It  is  no  secret  that  the  hearts  of  all  genuine 
New  Englanders  warm  towards  Hollanders  and  towards  their 
descendants  in  the  United  States.  More  than  two  and  a  half 
centuries  ago  those  witnesses  for  the  truth  and  for  freedom, 
whom  we  delight  to  honor,  the  Pilgrim  Fathers,  found  in  Hol- 
land a  refuge  from  a  persecuting  Church  and  a  foolish  and  des- 
potic king.  And  when  they  embarked  from  her  shores  and 
crossed  the  stormy  waves  of  the  Atlantic,  they  remembered 
with  gratitude  the  hospitable  reception  they  had  found  in  the 
Netherlands.  Until  the  last  that  memory  never  ceased  to  live. 
Their  descendants  cherish  it  still.  And  it  is  to  me  a  privilege 
which  I  gladly  acknowledge,  although  your  special  denomina- 
tional name  has  been  changed,  to  meet  to-day  so  many  of 
Dutch  descent,  among  whose  ancestors  in  the  Netherlands  those 
exiles  found  a  refuge  and  home  for  twelve  years  in  Amsterdam 
and  Leyden. 

I  will  only  add  that  Yale  College  has  a  right,  second  to  no 
other  Institution,  to  share  in  the  memories  of  this  joyful  Anni- 
versary. One  hundred  and  twenty-two  years  ago  there  went 
forth  from  its  nurturing  care,  in  a  class  of  forty-four  students, 
on  v/hom  it  conferred  their  first  Academic  degree,  a  young  man, 
destined  to  become  the  first  Professor  and  President  of  this 
Theological  School,  John  Henry  Livingston.  His  name,  for 
more  than  a  century,  has  adorned  the  Yale  Triennial  Catalogue, 


ADDRESSES  OF  CONGRATULATION.  231 

and  his  memory  it  will  ever  be  ours  as  well  as  yours  to  perpetu- 
ate and  honor. 

And  now,  may  blessings  rest  upon  this  School  of  Sacred  Learn- 
ing. May  its  future  be  still  greater  than  its  past.  When  an- 
other hundred  years  shall  have  flown,  and  another  generation 
shall  commemorate  its  foundation  and  recount  its  history,  may 
the  successors  of  the  representatives  of  these  Theological 
Schools,  who  meet  to-day  in  Christian  love  upon  this  platform, 
be  able  to  congratulate  the  directors,  instructors  and  friends  of 
the  New  Brunswick  Seminary,  with  even  greater  emphasis,  upon 
their  steady  loyalty  to  Christ,  and  their  faithful  endeavors  to 
extend  and  make  triumphant  the  Kingdom  of  our  common 
Lord. 


SALUTATIONS 


RUTGERS    COLLEGE, 


POEM 


Mrs.  Merrill  E,  Gates 


ADDRESS 


President  Merrill  E,  Gates,  LL,D, 


A  DDRESS 


Prof.  T,  Sandford  Doolittle,  D.D, 


SALUTATIONS  OF  RUTGERS  COLLEGE. 

The  Chairman  prefaced  the  reading  of  the  poem  written 
by  Mrs.  Gates  with  the  following  remarks  : 

The  kindly  feeling  and  profound  interest  which  are  cherished 
by  the  Faculty  and  friends  of  Rutgers  College  for  the  Semi- 
nary of  our  Church  cannot  be  overstated.  Instead  of  at- 
tempting to  declare  these  in  my  own  words,  when  our  time  is 
so  pre-occupied  and  precious,  I  bring  delightful  proof  of  them, 
besides  that  which  we  shall  have  in  the  words  of  President 
Gates  and  Prof.  Doolittle. 

These  beautiful  stanzas  were  written  at  the  request  of  the 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  the  General  Synod,  and  are 
read  by  their  unanimous  desire. 

In  spite  of  her  expressed  disinclination  to  have  their  author- 
ship announced,  we  take  the  liberty  of  saying,  because  of  the 
interest  it  will  add  and  the  joy  it  will  give  to  you  all,  that  the 
verses  which  I  now  have  the  honor  to  rehearse  came  from  the 
heart,  as  well  as  from  the  pen  of  the  lady  who  presides  over 
the  home  of  the  President  of  our  College. 

"SEPARATED  UNTO  THE  GOSPEL  OF  GOD." 

Thou  Lord  of  measured  years,  and  that  long  sweep 
Of  years  that  roll  unmeasured  down  the  steep 

Of  Thine  eternity ; 
Whose  life  as  man  filled  out  the  perfect  spheres 
Of  all  Thy  self-appointed,  time-bound  years, 

To  bless  humanity  ; 
Thou  Lord  of  these  long  years,  in  time  complete, 
We  lay  their  rounded  cycle  at  Thy  feet. 

We  give  Thine  own  to  Thee. 

Thou,  Lord,  hast  many  an  angel  near  Thy  throne 
Who  loves  Thy  will,  and,  at  Thy  word  alone 

Will  fly  with  swift  wings  fleet ; 
But  yet  the  wondrous  story  oi  Thy  Cross, 
To  souls  cast  down  in  bitter  shame  and  loss, 

No  angel  can  repeat. 


236  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

They,  sinless,  look  upon  Thy  face  above. 
But  only  human  lips  can  teach  Thy  love. 
Thy  love  with  o;race  replete. 

O  chosen  messengers  of  God  !     No  word 
So  rich  in  joy  on  earth  was  ever  heard  : 

"  Th'  atoning  work  is  done  !" 
With  deep  desire  repeat  this  message  sweet ; 
Desire,  inbreathed  by  God's  pure  Paraclete, 

To  glorify  the  Son. 
The  world's  lost  men  are  waiting  to  be  fed  ; 
Ye  speak  of  life  in  Christ  the  living  Bread  ; 

The  Bread  from  heav'n  sent  down. 

Ye  separated  ones  !  not  separate 

From  pain  and  grief  and  sin,  but  consecrate 

To  helpfulness  divine  ; 
To  vision  of  our  Risen  Lord,  so  clear 
That  other  souls  through  you  may  draw  more  near, 

And  see  His  glories  shine  ; 
To  take  with  simpler  faith,  more  meekly  wear 
Christ's  robe  of  righteousness,  supremely  fair, 
Robe  costly,  white  and  fine. 

Surpassing  grace  !     By  looking  on  the  Word, 
Our  souls  grow  into  likeness  of  their  Lord, — 

Jesus,  the  Crucified. 
Beholding  all  His  glory,  we  shall  change 
Into  an  image,  fair  and  sweet  and  strange, 

Of  Him  who  for  us  died  ; 
Be  made  like  Him  in  pity ;  touched  with  grace 
To  speak  again  His  precious  words  of  peace, 

The  Word  that  shall  abide. 

Lord,  let  the  century  blossom  into  flower, 
Thy  grace  unfolding  with  resistless  power ; 

Bless  this  God-planted  tree  ! 
Give  men  with  tongues  of  fire  ;  give  men  who  hold 
The  long-descended  faith — like  those  of  old — 

Gift  of  Thy  Spirit  free  ! 
Give  open  vision,  give  strong  utterance  sure  ; 
And  to  the  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit  pure 

Shall  glory  ever  be. 
New  Brunswick,  N.J.,  October  27,  1884. 


ADDRESS 
By  President  Merrill  Edwards  Gates,  LL.D. 

I  bring  the  congratulations  of  Rutgers  to  her  sister  Institu- 
tion here  in  New  Brunswick.  Mine  is  but  a  home  greeting 
among  family  friends  ;  and  this  afternoon  your  interest  centres 
rather  in  what  is  said  by  those  visitors  who  arc  with  us,  whose 
voices  are  the  voices  of  strangers,  yet  so  clearly  reveal  the 
hearts  of  brothers.  Yet  no  such  occasion  is  quite  complete 
without  a  word  from  our  closest  friends. 

Make  the  case  your  own.  Suppose  that  your  sister,  with 
whom  you  have  lived  in  closest  relations  of  daily  intimacy,  had 
been  made  the  recipient  of  honors  and  congratulations,  not 
only  from  her  immediate  friends  and  neighbors,  but  from  dis- 
tant cities  in  all  parts  of  the  land  and  beyond  the  seas.  Sup- 
pose that  after  a  day  or  two  had  been  filled  with  such  honors, 
you  were  called  upon  to  add  your  congratulations.  What  else 
could  you  do  than  take  her  by  the  hand,  and  looking  with  level 
glance  of  cordial  love  into  the  eyes  that  you  knew  well,  say  to 
her :  "  My  sister,  you  know  my  heart ;  you  know  that  your  suc- 
cess and  honors  are  my  joy,"  Such  simple  and  sincere  congra- 
tulations I  offer  to-day  to  the  Theological  Seminary,  from  Rut- 
gers College. 

A  certain  cynical  definition  of  gratitude  describes  it  as  "the 
lively  anticipation  of  favors  to  come."  I  should  like  to  reverse 
so  unlovely  a  definition,  and,  following  what  is  just  as  truly  a  law 
of  our  nature,  and  insisting  for  a  moment  on  the  common  deriva- 
tion of  "  gratitude  "  and  "  congratulation,"  to  affirm  that  no  con- 
gratulations are  so  sincere  as  those  which  come  from  the  friend 
who  has  the  definite  hope  and  confident  expectation,  that  he  is 
to  be  of  assistance  in  securing  to  you  the  good  results  upon 
the  prospect  of  which  he  congratulates  you.  Heartiest  con- 
gratulations are  those  that  spring  from  the  liveliest  intentions 
to  give  fresh  grounds  for  congratulation.  And  for  this  reason 
the  congratulations  of  Rutgers  to  the  Seminary  are  most  sin- 


238  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

cere  and  hearty.  We  hope  to  have  in  the  future,  as  we  have 
had  in  the  past,  not  a  Httle  to  contribute  towards  the  success 
of  the  Seminary  ;  for  every  Theological  Seminary  is  an  instru- 
ment for  the  training,  in  the  highest  of  the  sciences,  of  liberally 
educated  young  men  ;  and  we  furnish  you  with  the  men.  Why, 
Mr.  President,  the  Alumni  of  the  Seminary  are  (with  compara- 
tively few  exceptions,  though  among  these  few  are  some  of  our 
best  beloved  and  highly  honored  ministers), — the  great  body  of 
the  Alumni  of  the  Seminary  are  Rutgers  men. 

Can  their  Alma  Mater  forget  or  cease  to  love  her  own  sons 
grown  a  little  older  ?  How  could  Rutgers  College  help  re- 
joicing in  the  success  and  the  joy  of  an  Institution,  whose  life 
is  the  life  of  her  own  children  ? 

As  we  have  given  you  men  in  the  past,  so  we  do  now,  so 
we  hope  to  do  in  the  future.  We  claim  as  our  own  sons 
all  but  one  man  of  the  present  Senior  Class  of  the  Seminary, 
several  good  men  in  the  Middle  Class,  and  all  but  one  in  the 
Junior  Class.  Of  our  best  we  have  given  you.  Of  our  best  we 
still  hope  to  give  you. 

Indeed,  there  is,  in  the  supremely  ennobling  nature  of 
the  aims  to  which  a  young  man  devotes  himself  when  he 
chooses  (nay,  when  he  finds  himself  chosen  for)  the  Christian 
ministry — there  is,  in  the  ennobling  nature  of  the  aim  she  has 
in  view,  in  the  inspiring  views  of  truth  to  which  his  thought 
is  continually  directed,  something  that  tends  to  make  of  him 
the  very  best.  We  expect  the  best  things  in  morality,  in  stu- 
dious faithfulness,  in  orderly,  assiduous  devotion  to  the  intel- 
lectual work  of  their  course,  and  in  large-hearted  manliness,  of 
the  men  who  are  avowedly  studying  for  the  ministry  ;  and  we 
are  seldom  disappointed. 

When  a  young  man  in  his  college  course  reaches  the  decision 
which  leads  him  to  a  course  of  study  in  the  vSeminary,  it  is  a 
matter  of  the  deepest  gratification  to  us,  who  are  his  instruc- 
tors. However  active  and  persistent  a  student  may  have  been 
in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  every  Christian  teacher  must 
note,  with  the  keenest  satisfaction,  the  change  that  comes  over 
a  young  man  when  he  first  learns  to  live,  from  day  to  day,  in 
the  vivid  consciousness  of  his  personal  relations  with  a  personal 
God.     For    this   dawning   and    deepening    consciousness    we 


SALUTATIONS  OF  RUTGERS  COLLEGE.  239 

watch  with  such  earnest  desire  as  only  the  Christian  teacher, 
whose  life  is  in  his  students'  life,  can  know.  We  have  watched 
the  development  of  his  intellectual  powers.  He  has  begun  to 
see  law  in  mathematics,  and  in  the  wonderful  impression  of 
mathematics  upon  the  "  stars  in  their  courses,"  and  the  atoms 
in  their  groups,  and  the  leaves  in  their  growth.  In  the  order 
maintained  in  nature,  he  begins  to  see  the  manifested  Will  of 
the  God  who  made  nature,  and  the  "  reign  of  Law  "  becomes 
to  him  a  vivid  reality.  Then,  as  he  reaches  the  higher  studies 
of  the  course,  and  his  mind  is  busied  with  the  problems  of 
metaphysics  and  ethics,  he  finds  himself  in  a  new  realm,  that 
of  moral  agents,  who  alone  of  all  beings  are  gifted  with  the 
awful  prerogative  of  the  power  to  break  law.  He  finds  in  his- 
tory, in  every  system  of  jurisprudence  with  its  provisions  for 
crime  and  punishment,  the  evidence  of  an  awful  moral  catas- 
trophe, to  which  his  own  self-accusing  conscience  bears  witness, 
and  on  which  God's  word  throws  the  clearest  light.  And  if 
there  has  before  existed,  or  if  there  now  springs  up  in  his  ex- 
perience, a  clear  perception  that  there  is  in  God's  scheme  of 
government  a  Divine  Remedy  provided  for  this  dreadful  evil, 
if  he  accepts  this  Divine  Person  as  his  Savior,  if  he  consecrates 
to  that  Savior  all  his  powers  and  hopes,  what  can  equal  the 
joyous  satisfaction  with  which  we  see  him  turn  toward  the 
Seminary  for  the  study  of  that  "  Queen  of  all  the  Sciences," 
Theology  ? 

Our  congratulations  then,  we  hope,  may  be  embodied  in  the 
men  who  by  the  gracious  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  shall 
be  led  to  go  from  us  to  you. 

And  now.  Sir,  I  have  to  congratulate  you  more  definitely 
upon  one  point,  and  only  one.  And  that  is  7iot  upon  the  princely 
gifts  of  money  which  you  have  received.  As  your  historian 
recounted  yesterday  the  list  of  these  benefactions,  closing  with 
the  magnificent  donations  of  more  than  half  a  million  from 
Gardner  A.  Sage  and  James  Suydam,  we  gave  thanks  that 
so  many  among  the  friends  of  this  Church  had  learned  so  well 
the  lesson  of  holding  and  using  their  money  in  a  consecrated 
stewardship  for  the  glory  of  the  Master.  And  my  word  to  you, 
friends  of  the  Seminary  who  are  here  to-day,  is :  Give  the 
money  that  is  still  needed  ;  finish  the  noble  work  of  endow- 


240  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

ment  and  equipment  which  is  now  so  nearly  done  ;  give  as  you 
are  abundantly  able  to  do  ;  give  until  managers,  students  and 
professors  shall  cry,  "we  have  enough  for  all  our  needs."  None 
know  so  well  as  those  who  are  engaged  in  the  management  of 
an  educational  institution,  the  need  of  money  for  the  success- 
ful maintenance  of  the  work  of  education. 

But  it  is  not  upon  the  rich  gifts  of  money  which  you  have 
received  that  I  congratulate  you.  The  one  point  and  only  one 
on  which  I  congratulate  you  is  this,  the  "staying  power,"  the 
"holding  power,"  which  the  Seminary  has  shown  during  these 
one  hundred  years. 

I  have  sometimes  thought  that  if  there  is  a  work  for  which 
God  especially  designed  a  Dutchman  ;  if  in  these  days  when 
race  distinctions  and  characteristics  are  receiving  such  fresh 
emphasis  from  the  history  of  our  time,  there  is  one  ofifice  for 
which  the  descendants  of  the  Hollanders  as  a  race  are  especi- 
ally fitted  and  designed  by  God,  it  is  sentinel-duty  in  markings 
garrison-duty  in  holding  the  posts  to  which  their  convictions 
have  assigned  them.  Why,  it  has  sometimes  seemed  to  me,  in 
the  light  of  the  history  of  the  last  three  hundred  years,  that  if 
God  has  a  point  to  be  held  anywhere.  His  way  has  been  to  put 
Dutchmen  there  to  hold  it.  Whether  it  was  to  hold  a  dyke 
against  the  ocean,  and  use  the  marshes  thus  redeemed  to  organ- 
ize a  commerce  that  ruled  the  world;  or  to  hold  civil  and  re- 
ligious liberty  for  the  whole  race  against  the  overwhelming 
legions  of  Spain,  in  the  days  when  your  Dutch  fathers  at  the 
cost  of  "  one  hundred  thousand  martyrs,"  whose  memory  is  re- 
called by  the  figures  of  blood  on  this  banner,  maintained  by 
God's  grace  that  purity  of  faith  that  made  their  Church  "  the 
lily  among  the  thorns,"  whose  white  beauty  shines  on  this 
same  old  banner;  or  whether  the  appointed  duty  was  to  hold, 
clearly  defined  and  "shining  with  an  inner  light,"  in  the 
teachings  of  their  Theological  Seminary  for  one  hundred  years, 
the  "faith  once  delivered  to  the  fathers;" — wherever  this  duty 
of  "  holding  fast  "  has  been  assigned  them,  there  Dutchmen 
have  done  it  nobly. 

What  does  it  mean,  my  brothers,  that  to-day,  as  greetings 
have  come  to  you  from  one  and  another,  from  almost  every 
one  of  the  Theological  Seminaries  of  our  land,  without  a  dis- 


/^J. 


SALUTATIONS  OF  RUTGERS  COLLEGE.  341 

senting  voice,  these  letters  and  these  speakers  have  told  you 
that  you  have  conferred  a  great  blessing  upon  the  world  by 
maintaining  for  a  century,  unchanged,  the  clear,  definite  faith 
of  the  Reformed  Church  ? 

These  are  sincere  and  truthful  men.  They  mean  what  they 
say. 

Does  not  their  testimony  teach  us  that  the  great  need  of  our 
time  in  matters  of  faith  is  not  change,  but  a  clearer,  more  per- 
fect conception  of  that  truth  which  does  not  change  ? 

Let  our  younger  brethren  who  are  to  preach  take  special 
notice  of  this.  There  is  to  be  progress;  but  if  it  is  true  pro- 
gress it  will  be  toward  God,  and  along  those  never-deflected 
lines  of  light  and  glory  in  which  the  living  God  has  revealed 
himself  to  man. 

Be  not  discouraged  then,  my  brother,  if  you  do  not  find  in 
your  conceptions  of  God  those  ''changes"  which  the  "de- 
mands of  the  times"  are  said  to  require. 

The  true  source  of  light  for  the  Christian  must  ever  be  the 
prayerful  contemplation  of  Him  who  is  the  Light,  as  revealed 
in  His  Word.  Feel  no  anxious  responsibility  resting  upon 
you  to  "develop  originality;" — to  have  a  new  theory  to  pro- 
pound and  defend  every  six  months.  Truth  does  not  change. 
Fear  not  the  charge  of  steadfastly  upholding  well-proved 
truth.  For,  in  the  midst  of  the  noisy  clamors  and  the  hurried 
changes  of  our  exciting  times,  it  often  happens  that  the  sneer 
against  an  Institution  which  holds  steadfastly  to  a  fixed  truth, 
"  It  stands  still,"  within  a  few  fleeting  years,  as  one  after  an- 
other the  new  theories  have  fallen  into  oblivion,  changes 
into  the  ringing  cry  of  admiration  which  greets  our  Theo- 
logical Seminary  to-day,  '*  It  still  stands  /" 


ADDRESS 

By  Prof.  T.  Sandford  Doolittle,  D.D., 
Representing  the  Faculty. 

One  of  the  most  impressive  and  memorable  scenes  recorded 

in  history  was  exhibited  in  the  visit  of  Balkis,  the    Queen  of 

the  South,  from  Arabia,  to  Solomon,  King  of  Jerusalem,  when 

at    the  zenith   of  his   splendor   and   power.     The    illustrious 

16 


343  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Queen,  and  the  still  more  illustrious  King,  had  descended  from 
the  same  great  patriarch,  Abraham  ;  the  first  through  the  line 
of  Ishmael,  and  the  second  through  the  line  of  Isaac.  And 
thus  their  respective  peoples — the  Arabians  and  the  Israelites 
— were  intimately  related  by  ties  of  blood,  by  kindred  religious 
beliefs,  and  by  common  national  traditions.  It  was  emi- 
nently fitting,  therefore,  that  the  Queen,  attended  by  a  bril- 
liant retinue  of  courtiers,  should  lay  her  salutations  along  with 
gifts  of  gold,  spices  and  precious  stones,  before  the  throne  of 
Solomon,  in  recognition  of  his  wonderful  achievements,  such  as 
the  erection  of  the  costly  Temple,  the  establishment  of  impos- 
ing forms  of  worship,  the  ordinances  of  a  magnificent  court, 
and,  above  all,  on  his  attainment  of  unequaled  human  and 
Divine  wisdom.  What  a  picture  of  Arabia  the  Happy,  and 
Jerusalem  the  Golden,  joining  hands  in  reciprocal  greetings 
and  firmest  friendly  alliance. 

Now,  may  not  that  beautiful  scene  be  adopted  as  the  type 
and  prophecy  of  the  one  which  is  here  and  to-day  enacted  ? 
The  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Reformed  Church,  and  Rut- 
gers College,  both  trace  their  origin  back  to  the  same  revered 
Dutch  ancestry  ;  and  both  loyally  cherish  the  memory  of  the 
intelligent  and  self-sacrificing  piety  of  that  ancestry,  as  ex- 
pressed in  the  upbuilding  of  these  two  Institutions  for  the  one 
common  object  of  providing  our  Churches  with  a  learned  and 
efificient  ministry.  You  of  the  Seminary  have  maintained,  let 
us  grant,  your  native  theological  blood  and  ecclesiastical  or- 
ganization quite  untainted  by  any  foreign  admixture  ;  you  are, 
to  speak  figuratively,  in  the  more  direct  line  of  descent  from 
Isaac  ;  and  are  therefore  the  purer,  truer,  bluer,  and  more  re- 
doubtable children  of  Israel.  We  of  the  College,  originally 
called  Queen's,  making  us,  you  see,  identical  with  the  Queen 
of  Sheba,  for  possibly,  according  to  the  New  Revision,  Sheba 
may  mean  New  Jersey,  have  become  by  our  concubinage  with 
secular  literature  one  degree  removed  from  the  genuine  and 
sacred  stock.  Nevertheless,  we  still  claim  Abraham  in  all 
matters  of  sound  theological  doctrine  for  our  father;  but  in 
the  matter  of  literature — which  is  the  handmaid  of  true  theol- 
ogy, named  Sarah — we  own  Hagar  for  our  mother  ;  and  so  in 
a  certain  sense  are   Ishmaelites.  but  Ishmaelites  of  the  best 


SALUTATIONS  OF  RUTGERS  COLLEGE.  243 

description,  like  those  who  dwelt  down  there  in  Arabia,  which, 
on  account  of  the  fertility  of  its  soil  and  the  urbanity  of  its 
citizens,  was  distinguished  as  Arabia  Felix,  or  Arabia  the 
Happy. 

Well,  then,  when  the  Seminary  makes  this  august  display  of 
its  century's  growth,  of  its  historic  prestige  and  progress,  of 
its  just  fame  for  wisest  and  invaluable  teachings,  why  should 
not  the  Faculty  of  the  College  be  present  to  burn  a  little  in- 
cense, nay,  if  you  like  it.  a  good  deal  of  incense,  in  the  way  of 
rendering  your  glory  still  more  fragrant  and  agreeable  ?  In- 
deed, our  relations  have  always  been  so  vitally  and  advanta- 
geously interwoven,  that  we  can  never  recall  our  past  without 
involuntarily  blessing  you,  as  we  trust  you  cannot  recall  yours 
without  in  turn  blessing  us.  As  some  fortunate  husband  be- 
gins with  exuberant  joy  to  felicitate  his  better  half  on  her 
happiness  in  heiring  a  rich  estate,  but  sometimes  gets  a  little 
confused,  and  actually  ends  in  felicitating  himself  quite  as 
much  as  her  ;  so  when  the  College  sets  out  to  review  the  his- 
toric glory  of  the  Seminary,  it  is  in  danger  of  concluding  with 
a  story  of  its  own  glory,  inextricably  interblended  and  shining 
with  it.  It  is,  for  example,  a  great  satisfaction,  doubtless,  to 
numbers  of  your  alumni,  as  it  is  to  me,  an  alumnus  of  both 
Institutions,  to  remember  that  it  was  in  the  lecture  courses  of 
Rutgers  College  where  they  first  learned  to  know  and  esteem 
many  of  your  Professors,  who  used  to  render  royal  services  in 
teaching,  yet  without  pecuniary  compensation,  for  the  sake  of 
the  Church  which  they  loved  so  well,  and  of  advanced  learn- 
ing, to  which  they  were  equally  devoted. 

And  in  perpetual  commemoration  of  this,  we  daily  hail,  as 
our  successors  will  also  hail,  the  noble  countenances  of  some  of 
these  Professors  (we  hope  yet  to  have  them  all)  as  they  look 
benignly  down  upon  us  from  the  walls  of  our  own  Kirkpatrick 
Chapel. 

Although  the  official  bond  of  connection  was  sundered  in 
1865  by  the  united  action  of  our  Trustees  and  the  General 
Synod,  making  each  Institution  independent  of  the  other,  never- 
theless the  living  current  of  spiritual  fellowship  and  co- 
operation still  flows  on,  as  is  evinced  on  every  Lord's  day  in 
the  College  Chapel,  where  your  Professors    unite  with  ours  in 


244  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

preaching  the  everlasting  truth  to  your  students  and  ours,  gath- 
ered into  one  and  the  same  congregation. 

Nor  are  there  wanting  other  signs  of  oneness  in  interests, 
benefits  and  life.  If  we  congratulate  you  on  the  possession  of 
dear  old  Hertzog  Hall,  we  must  pause  to  rejoice  for  our- 
selves in  the  fact  that  our  young  men,  while  on  their  way  to 
the  pulpit,  are  v/elcomed  there  to  its  ample  accommodations, 
at  charges  so  merely  nominal  as  to  be  almost  gratuitous.  If 
we  congratulate  you  in  having  the  well-appointed  James  Suy- 
dam  Gymnasium  in  your  grounds,  we  are  also  glad  that  the 
privilege  is  accorded  to  our  classes  of  engaging  in  physical 
training  therein,  and  of  acquiring  some  of  the  sinewy  graces  of 
a  muscular  Christianity.  If  we  most  of  all  felicitate  you  on 
being  the  proud  custodians  of  the  noble  Sage  Library,  we,  too, 
are  made  happy  by  the  assurance  that  its  36,000  volumes  offer 
to  our  Professors  and  pupils,  as  well  as  your  own,  the  freest 
and  fullest  acquaintance  with  whatever  is  noblest  in  the  thought 
and  most  inspiring  in  the  words  of  all  other  sages  in  every 
generation  of  the  past. 

Nor  are  you  without  some  compensating  advantages  derived 
from  us.  Doubtless  it  will  happen  in  the  future  as  it  has  happen- 
ed in  the  past,  that  the  elect  youth  from  our  classes  shall  be  the 
ones  to  compose  almost  entirely  that  annual  procession  of  the 
Sons  of  the  Prophets,  who  go  up  to  your  "  Holy  of  Holies  "  to 
hear  the  oracles  of  God  there  expounded,  and  to  behold  the 
Shekinah  of  the  Spirit  there  unveiled  in  new  interpretations  of 
perplexing  texts,  and  in  new  solutions  of  mysterious  provi- 
dences. Doubtless,  too,  many  of  the  sons  of  Rutgers,  after 
becoming  sons  of  the  Seminary,  will  pass  on  to  the  churches  in 
order  to  carry  forward  the  good  work  of  raising  up  other  men, 
and  richer  means  by  which  to  foster  and  enlarge  the  usefulness 
of  us  both. 

Nor  is  it  to  be  forgotten  that  the  significance  of  all  this  com- 
munity of  purpose  and  harmony  of  feeling  chiefly  consists  in 
this,  that  each  of  us  is  contributing  to  the  welfare  of  our  be- 
loved Zion,  and  to  the  honor  of  our  adorable  Redeemer — Christ 
its  head.  Shall  not  then  our  joint  and  rallying  cry  ever  be, 
All  hail  to  New  Brunswick,  gracious  mother  of  ministers! 
Or,  to    change  the    figure,    All    hail    to  New  Brunswick,  our 


SALUTATIONS  OF  RUTGERS  COLLEGE.  245 

denominational  mountain  top,  where  the  Seminary  acting  as 
Aaron  on  the  one  side,  and  the  College  acting  as  Hur  on  the 
other,  shall  unitedly  upstay  the  hands  of  Moses,  symbolizing 
the  Church  between  them,  while  the  fierce  battle  against  the 
Amalekites  of  sin  and  ignorance  rages,  but  rages  victoriously 
for  the  right,  in  the  great  world  below. 

May  our  mutual  prayers  and  gifts,  our  respective  expo- 
sitions of  scripture  and  science,  our  struggles  and  triumphs, 
be  ever  so  inter-blended  and  so  prolific  of  far-reaching  and 
happiest  results,  that  others  shall  say  hereafter,  as  they  have 
said  heretofore:  "Behold  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it 
is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity!" 


Salutations  of  Hope  College, 

Holland,  Michigan, 


AND   OF  THE 


Collegiate  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 

New  York  City. 


ADDRESS 


Elder  A.  V.  W,  Van  Vechten.  Esq. 


ADDRESS 

BY 

Prof,  Charles  Scott,  D.D. 

Acting  President. 


ADDRESS 

By  Elder  A.  V.  W.  Van  Vechten,  Esq. 
Representing  the  Collegiate  Church,  New  York  City. 

Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  : 

It  is  with  very  short  notice  that  I  have  been  permitted  to  say 
a  word  after  the  enjoyment  of  these  pleasant  exercises.     My 
fathers  and  my  brethren  here  should  answer  as  well  as  I,  and  be- 
fore me ;  but  since  I  have  been  called  first,  I  do  not  hesitate  to 
stand  up  in  this  place  and  on  this  day.  I  have  been  here  yester- 
day and  to-day, and  have  enjoyed  myself  thoroughly.  I  never  was 
in  New  Brunswick  so  long,  or  enjoyed  myself  all  the  way  through 
as  much  in  any  meeting,  at  least  in  a  meeting  of  the  same  sort. 
The  Collegiate  Church  is  closely  allied    with  this  Seminary. 
Dr.  Livingston  was  one  of   the  pastors   of  that  Church.     We 
have  heard  from   Dr.  Gates   to-day   some  traits   of  our  early 
settlers.     It  is  said  that    the    Dutch    people    and    the  Dutch 
Church  are  apt  to  stand  still.    Sometimes  the  Collegiate  Church 
is  said  to  stand  still,  and  to  be  too  conservative,  but  it  has  stood 
two  hundred  and  fifty  years  and  more.     It  has  been  very  kind 
in  a  great  many  directions.     It  lias  contributed  to  the  Profess- 
orial chairs  of  this   Institution,  and  it  has  tried  to  assist  the 
cause  of  the  Dutch  Church  everywhere.     It   has  on   its  mind 
and  heart  this  Theological  Seminary,  knowing    that  it  is  the 
place  where   the   ministers  are  trained  upon  whom  the  Church 
must  rest  for  security.     Our  sympathy  is  with  this  Seminary. 
We  desire  the  Professors  to  be    in  every  way    supplied  with 
means,  and  in  every  respect  to  lend  our  aid,  but  we  cannot  do 
everything.    Applications  come  from  every  source,  but  you  will 
never  find  us  behind  in  any  matter  that  relates  to  the  Collegiate 
Church.     My  time  is  short,  and  I  have  no  doubt  that  others  of 
my  colleagues  wish  the  opportunity  of  saluting  you.    While  we 
live,  we  who  have  belonged  to  the  Dutch  Church  so  long,  can 


350  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

never  find  principles  better  or  stronger  to  rest  upon  than  those 
which  have  been  the  estabHshed  principles  of  that  Church. 
None  more  clearly  point  the  way  to  God,  and  we  will  rest  upon 
them  now  and  forever. 


ADDRESS 

By  Professor  Charles  Scott,  D.D. 

Mr.  President  : 

It  may  be  wrong  to  occupy  your  time  upon  this  occasion, 
but  under  the  circumstances  I  must  ask,  and  I  know  that  my 
brethren  will  grant,  a  few  minutes  indulgence. 

But  little  allusion  has  been  made  to  Hope  College  in  con- 
nection with  this  Seminary,  and  I  wish  to  bring  it  forth,  and 
have  it  take  its  proper  place  in  these  Centennial  exercises.  Dr. 
Cnspell  this  morning,  in  most  fitting  words,  delineated  to  us 
the  history  of  the  Western  Theological  School,  until  he  seemed 
to  write  an  epitaph  over  its  grave.  Whatever  may  be  the 
effect  of  that  history  upon  you  and  upon  others,  to  him  and  to 
me  and  to  many,  it  has  been  an  occasion  for  deep  pain  and 
sorrow.  Every  fruit  and  every  flower  has  there  been  planted  ; 
all  the  heart  work  and  all  the  brain  work  in  that  vineyard  of  the 
Lord  and  of  the  Church,  has  been  done  in  the  spirit  of  self-sac- 
rifice and  devotion  ;  and  at  last  our  labor  must  bring  forth  pre- 
cious results.  Although  a  chaplet  be  laid  as  it  were  upon  the 
tomb,  and  although  there  may  be  sprigs  of  dark  cypress  there- 
in, yet  there  is  interwoven  a  garland  of  sweet  smelling  flowers. 
I  remember  reading  an  incident  of  old,  that  when  the  myrtle 
was  laid  upon  the  brow  of  a  fallen  athlete,  and  when  they 
thought  him  dead,  he  rose  and  stood  up,  and  said  :  "  I  will 
wear  this  myrtle  through  a  noble  life."  Our  Theological 
School  is  not  dead  but  sleepeth.  Yesterday  when  we  com- 
menced this  Centennial  celebration,  theological  instruction  at 
Hope  College  was  resumed,  in  fact,  and  we  commenced  a  Cen- 
tennial of  Western  progress;  and  when  another  hundred  years 
is  passed,  a  sister  Seminary  will  take  her  place  by  the  side  of 
this  in  the  glorious  history  of  our  Church. 

But  I  do  not  stand  here  for  this  purpose  ;  I  will  lift  my  head 


SALUTATIONS  OF  HOPE  COLLEGE.  251 

as  it  were  from  the  stony  pillow  and  see  the  ladder  set  up,  with 
God  and  heaven  at  its  top,  and  the  angels  descending  upon 
our  Bethel  with  only  blessings.  It  is  good  for  us  to  be  in  this 
place. 

Mr.  President,  when  I  was  young,  when  I  was  strong  in 
hope,  and  in  my  first-felt  consecration  to  the  gospel  of  Christ, 
I  lived  far  away  at  the  feet  of  the  Professors  of  the  Seminary 
at  Columbia,  South  Carolina,  and  I  received  from  them  the 
teachings  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  They  had  persuaded  me 
to  choose  the  ministry  of  God,  but  I  turned  my  back  to  their  in- 
fluences, passed  also  by  the  open  doors  of  Princeton,  and  like 
that  man,  (pointing  to  the  portrait  of  Dr.  Livingston,)  with 
nothing  but  Scotch  blood  in  my  veins,  but  led  on  by  devotion 
to  the  Netherlands  and  their  history,  I  followed  the  provi- 
dence of  God,  and,  counseled  by  Dr.  Demarest,  gave  myself 
to  this  Seminary  and  to  a  ministry  for  life  in  the  Reformed 
Church.  You  may  understand  why,  from  that  day,  I  have  so 
well  loved  this  School  of  the  Prophets.  And  now,  from  a  home 
just  as  distant  in  the  West,  I  come  again,  not  merely  as  the  rep- 
resentative of  its  College,  but  personally  in  my  own  name, 
with  warmest  feelings,  to  express  my  love  for  that  same  Semi- 
nary of  my  Church.  I  stand  here  also  as  the  only  representa- 
tive of  the  West.  From  over  those  Western  plains,  from  be- 
yond the  "  Father  of  waters,"  and  the  Rocky  Mountains,  to 
the  "  Golden  Gate,"  I  come  to  bear  chains  of  love  which  bind 
so  many  children  to  this  their  spiritual  Alma  Mater. 

I  look  upon  this  building,  and  there  are  so  many  things  that 
are  familiar  to  me,  these  external  walls  of  Zion,  this  steeple 
lifting  its  top  towards  heaven,  and  these  surroundings,  that 
there  is  no  sanctuary  in  the  world  so  dear  to  me  as  this.  1 
look  upon  these  portraits  around ;  their  lips  are  now  cold  in 
death,  but  some  of  them  once  spoke  golden  teachings  to  my 
heart,  and  they  sank  down  to  dwell  there  forever.  There  is 
one  thing,  however,  with  which  I  was  not  familiar  in  former 
days  ;  it  is  that  flag  of  the  Netherlands  behind  me.  //  reminds 
me  of  my  home  at  Holland  ;  and  with  that  flag  in  my  hand 
and  with  those  sons  of  Hope  around  me  in  this  Church,  and 
there  are  many  of  them  here  whom  I  love,  I  come  to  bring 
you  the  greetings  and  congratulations  of  our  Western  College. 


252  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

If  Rutgers  has  had  its  long  and  intimate  connection  with  the 
Seminary  in  the  past,  there  is  nothing  in  God's  providence  of 
deeper  significance  and  more  inwrought  into  the  Church  for 
the  future  than  is  the  history  of  that  College.  In  a  few  brief 
words  let  me  say  why  it  is  so  vital  and  so  deep.  Once  I  heard 
the  venerable  Dr.  Van  Raalte,  in  an  evening  conversation,  re- 
late the  tearful  history  of  the  Holland  immigration  to  this  land 
in  which  they  now  dwell.  He  told  how  they  left  the  loved 
homes  of  their  fathers,  and  the  fair  surroundings  of  the  Nether- 
lands, and  suffered  in  the  forests  of  Michigan.  I  can  repeat 
almost  his  very  words :  "  Our  deepest  anxiety  was  for  the 
ecclesiastical  connections,and  the  educational  needs  of  these  im- 
migrants. Oh,  it  was  upon  my  heart  as  a  leaden  weight,  for  I  so 
felt  my  responsibility  before  God.  One  of  my  first  missions 
was  to  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick.  I 
listened  to  the  teachings  and  conversations  of  the  Professors, 
saw  the  workings  of  their  heart,  and  understood  their  love  to 
God  and  their  devotion  to  His  truth.  I  blessed  my  God  that  I 
there  found  the  faith  of  my  fathers— the  historical  Church  of 
the  Netherlands — and  because  I  found  it,  and  I  loved  it,  I  de- 
termined to  bring  the  immigrants  into  intimate  connection 
with  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  of  America."  Well  did 
Dr.  Van  Raalte  fulfil  that  promise.  When  he  went  home  he 
gave  all  his  attention  and  efforts  to  bring  about  such  a  connec- 
tion of  the  churches ;  he  succeeded,  and  am.ong  the  last 
prayers  of  that  good  man's  life  was  this,  that  in  the  providence 
of  God  the  Holland  congregations  might  ever  dwell  in  love  and 
peace  with  our  American  Reformed  Church.  Palsied  be  the 
hand  that  sunders  those  golden  chains,  and  takes  that  immi- 
gration away  from  the  historical  faith  of  their  Fatherland.  Van 
Raalte's  next  effort  was  to  build  up  Holland  Academy,  and  the 
only  purpose  of  that  Academy  was  to  bring  the  youth  of  Hol- 
land immigration  within  this  Church,  and  under  the  teachings 
of  its  valuable  denominational  Schools.  When  Holland  Acade- 
my was  founded,  its  first  principal  went  from  New  Brunswick  ; 
himself  and  his  two  assistant  teachers,  Thompson  and  Van  De 
Wall,  were  graduates  of  this  Institution. 

When    Dr.    Phelps    organized    Hope    College,    in    1866,   he 
gathered  around   him,  as  a  Faculty,  Oggel,  Beck,  Crispell,  and 


SALUTATIONS  OF  HOPE  COLLEGE.  253 

Scott,  and  everyone  of  them  will  be  found  upon  the  catalogue 
of  our  Theological  Senninary.  And  when  you  look  over  the 
names  of  the  College  Council,  from  first  to  last,  it  will  be  found 
true  to-day  as  it  ever  was  true,  that  a  majority  of  its  members 
went  forth  as  the  ambassadors  of  the  Lord  Jesus  from  the  same 
School, — yes,  with  the  stamp  and  impress  of  the  New  Hrunswick 
Seminary.  From  first  to  last  the  connection  has  been  most 
intimate,  and  I  may  say  to  you,  that  if  God  ever  smiles  upon 
that  Western  College,  it  is  because  He  means  to  smile  upon 
the  old  Seminary  of  the  Reformed  Church.  It  is  sometimes 
said,  and  I  am  afraid  too  truly  said,  that  at  Princeton,  and  Yale, 
and  Rutgers,  and  other  Christian  Colleges  in  the  East,  Theo- 
logy has  lost  its  power,  and  the  highways  of  life  most  open  to 
the  students  lead  elsewhere  than  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 
This  feeling,  and  this  disposition  to  enter  other  callings,  in- 
creases from  year  to  year.  Sometimes  we  tremble  lest  our 
young  men  in  the  East  think  of  anything  else  rather  than  of 
consecration  to  God's  service.  Now  let  me  say  that  in  the 
West,  amid  the  surroundings  of  Hope  College,  Theology  con- 
tinues as  the  crown  of  scholarship.  The  first  thought  and  the 
first  prayer  of  every  Christian  father  and  mother  is  that  their 
sons,  an(i  their  son's  sons,  shall  grow  up  for  Christ  and  his  Gos- 
pel;  and  if  it  be  God's  will  that  they  shall  consecrate  them- 
selves to  His  holy  ministry.  That  is  the  spirit  in  which  Hope 
College  was  founded  and  is  conducted,  and  ever  will  be.  Let 
me  say  further  that  even  if  a  Theological  School  be  again  es- 
tablished there,  it  will  not  only  supply  the  West  with  minis- 
ters, but  the  supply  of  young  men  will  be  so  great  in  the  end 
that  it  will  fill  the  vacancies  of  the  East ;  and  just  in  propor- 
tion as  this  love  and  work  of  God  grows  up  in  the  West,  just 
in  that  proportion  will  our  whole  Zion  break  forth  on  every 
side.  Hope  College  in  the  future  will  be  one  of  the  main  sup- 
ports of  the  old  Theological  Seminary  of  our  Church ;  and  what- 
ever be  its  history  in  the  future  it  will  raise  up  a  standard  in 
Zion.  We  mean  to  stand  faithful  to  the  truth,  and  to  come 
to  the  help  of  the  Lord,  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the 
mighty. 

Years  ago  I  came  to  this  School,  but  oh,  how  different  it  is 
to-day  from  what   I  saw  it  then  !     Fathers    and    Brethren,    I 


254  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

understand  the  Dutch  Church.  There  is  not  one  h'nk  in  its  his- 
tory, there  is  not  one  step  in  the  progress  of  this  School  un- 
famihar  to  my  mind.  God  has  been  with  it  always;  and  now, 
whatever  be  your  hopes  for  the  future,  I  know  that  a  hundred 
years  from  to-day,  with  your  faith  and  your  purposes  con- 
tinued, it  may  be  said  in  the  language  and  in  the  spirit  of 
Joshua  :  "  Not  one  thing  hath  failed  of  all  the  good  things 
the  Lord  your  God  hath  spoken  concerning  "  this  School.  "  Be 
strong  and  of  good  courage,"  and  "  go  forward."  We  have 
raised  among  the  Hollanders  and  Churches  in  the  West 
enough  to  complete  a  Theological  Professorship,  about  $23,000. 
With  such  a  spirit,  my  friends,  within  the  next  sixty  days  you 
could  raise  $50,000,  and  when  that  consecration  is  made  and 
that  spirit  is  manifested,  there  will  be  no  debt  and  no  want  in 
the  old  Theological  Seminary  of  our  Church. 


REPORT 


COMMITTEE  ON  ENDOWMENT 


WITH   ADDRESS  BY 


Rev.  Mancius  H.  Hutton,  D,D. 


THE  MINISTRY  OF  THE  PAST 

AND  OF  THE  FUTURE, 


Rev.  Francis  N,  Zabriskie,  D.D. 


REPRESENTING  THE  ALUMNI  OF  THE  SEMINARY. 


PRAYER 

By  Rev.  Cornelius  Brett. 

Our  fathers'  God,  our  God  and  Father,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Savior,  Thee  we  invoke  to-night.  We  praise  Thee  for  the  fulfil- 
ment in  all  ages  of  Thy  promise  made  to  the  Holy  Church,  "  Instead  of 
thy  fathers  shall  be  thy  children."  Fulfill  it  in  this  generation  also. 
May  the  children  of  this  generation  become  "  Princes  in  all  the  earth," 
and  if  any  show  the  old  nature  of  the  supplanter,  give  unto  us  the  ex- 
perience of  Bethel,  where  we  may  see  Thee  in  Thy  glory,  and  the  ladder 
which  reaches  from  earth  to  heaven.  Give  us  to  see  Thee  face  to  face, 
as  at  Peniel,  and  to  wrestle  with  Thee,  that  we  may  become  princes  of 
the  Lord,  having  power  on  earth  to  prevail  with  Thee  for  Thy  Church 
and  for  the  world.  We  thank  Thee  for  this  ancient  Seminary.  We 
thank  Thee  for  all  that  has  been  accomplished  by  it  in  the  past.  Not 
by  chance,  but  by  our  Father's  goodness  came  all  the  benefactions  into 
its  treasury.  By  His  goodness  came  these  faithful  men  inspired  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  to  teach  and  to  preach  among  us.  For  them  we  praise 
Thy  name.  For  all  the  company  of  disciples  who,  after  sitting  at  their 
feet  for  a  term  of  years,  have  gone  forth  to  proclaim  the  everlasting 
Gospel,  as  ministers  at  home  and  as  missionaries  in  distant  lands;  for 
all  who,  having  done  their  work,  have  ascended  the  mountain  with 
their  Lord,  to  be  seen  no  more  on  earth ;  and  for  all  those  who  are 
doing  Thy  work  to-day  we  thank  Thee.  Oh  inspire  us  all  with  Thy 
Spirit,  to  send  abroad  Thy  light  and  truth,  and  let  us  take  up  our  par- 
able and  prophecy,  because  the  Lord  has  touched  our  lips  as  with  a  coal 
from  Heaven's  own  altar.  Oh  Lord  Jesus,  be  Thou  the  Redeemer  of 
our  souls.  May  this  Church  boast  that  it  is  her  only  comfort  in  life  and 
death,  that  we  are  not  our  own,  but  belong  to  our  faithful  Savior  Jesus 
Christ.  Oh  grant  to  reveal  unto  us  the  depths  of  our  own  depravity, 
and  show  us  not  only  how  we  may  be  saved,  but  reveal  unto  us  the 
blessed  assurance  of  hope  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Grant  to  each  one 
of  us  precious  promises  for  the  future,  and  an  assurance  for  the  living 
present.  May  this  lead  us  to  lift  our  voices  in  continuous  thanksgiving 
to  Thee,  and  to  let  our  light  so  shine  before  men  that  others  may  glo- 
rify our  God  and  Savior,  the  Lord  whom  we  serve.  May  the  future 
of  this  Institution  be  well  assured.  May  Thy  servants  who  now  lead 
these  disciples,  be  again  filled  with  Thy  Spirit.  May  the  enthusiasm  of 
this  occasion  so  inspire  them,  that  with  the  power  of  Thine  own  might 
they  may  go  forward  in  all  the  years  to  come.  And  may  the  students 
17 


258  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

entering  and  graduating  from  these  classes  continue  still  to  praise  Thy 
name  and  preach  Thy  glorious  Gospel.  May  our  beloved  Church  stand 
firm  and  true  in  the  future  as  it  has  in  the  past.  May  glorious  things 
be  spoken  of  our  Zion,  the  City  of  the  Living  God.  May  this  assembly 
be  blessed.  May  a  double  portion  of  Thy  Spirit  be  poured  out  upon  our 
meeting  this  evening,  that  every  heart  ma}'  be  filled  with  Thy  presence 
and  with  Thy  praise.  We  ask  all  in  the  name  of  Him  who  has  taught 
us  in  all  our  prayers  to  say  :  Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed 
be  Thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is 
in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us  our  debts 
as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 
us  from  evil ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory, 
forever.     Amen. 


REPORT. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  last  General  Synod  to 
prepare  a  plan  for  the  completion  of  the  endowment  of  the 
chairs  of  the  several  Professorships  in  the  Theological  Semi- 
nary, and  to  report  at  the  Centennial  celebration  in  October, 
1884,  respectfully  present  the  following  Report  : 

There  are  three  brief  but  important  facts,  which  entirely  de- 
termine the  direction  which  this  report  shall  take. 

1.  There  is  but  one  Fund  in  the  custody  of  General  Synod 
from  which  the  salaries  of  three  of  the  Professors  can  be  de- 
rived. This  is  known  as  the  "  Permanent  Seminary  Fund." 
According  to  the  last  report  of  the  Board  of  Direction,  this  is 
only  $133,507.16. 

2.  The  Synod,  by  repeated  deliverances,  has  declared  that 
the  salaries  of  these  Professors  should  be  $3,000  each,  and 
that  "  this  amount  is  no  more  than  just  compensation  for  the 
services  rendered,  and  no  more  than  is  paid  in  other  Institu- 
tions of  a  similar  grade."  (See  Min.  Gen.  Syn.  1881,  p.  752; 
also  1879,  P-  274,  and  1880,  p.  556.) 

3.  For  the  payment  of  such  salary  to  the  three  Professors 
whose  chairs  are  still  unendowed,  an  annual  income  of  $9,000 
is  required.  In  addition  to  this,  if  the  salary  of  the  newly  ap- 
pointed Sage  Professor  is  to  be  raised  to  an  equality  with  that 
of  his  colleagues  under  this  arrangement,  $500  more  will  be 
required.  For  the  production  of  this  income  of  $9,500,  at  5 
per  cent  (which  is  the  highest  rate  that  can  reasonably  be  de- 
pended on),  there  is  required  a  principal  of  $190,000. 

4.  It  follows  that  the  amount  absolutely  needed  to  complete 
the  endowment  on  a  just  and  permanent  basis,  is  the  differ- 
ence between  the  Fund  now  in  hand  ($133,507.16)  and  the  full 
Fund  required  to  afford  that  just  compensation  which  Synod 
after  Synod  has  affirmed  should  be  paid  to  our  Professors,  viz., 
$190,000.  j^This^difference  is  $56,492.84,  or  in  round  numbers 
$60,000. 


260  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

The  question  on  which  your  Committee  are  to  report  is,  By 
what  method,  or  methods,  can  this  amount  be  procured  ?  Al- 
most nothing  has  been  as  yet  done  to  secure  the  de- 
sired result.  The  Board  of  Direction  report  as  in  their  hands 
as  the  "  Centennial  Seminary  Fund  "  the  meagre  amount 
of  $642.19.  Some  time  since  a  Committee  was  appointed  to 
endeavor  to  complete  the  endowment  before  the  arrival  of 
this  Centennial  Day.  But  just  at  that  time  an  earnest  effort 
was  begun  to  complete  the  endowment  of  Rutgers  College. 
Not  to  interfere  in  any  way  with  that  effort,  the  Committee  of 
Synod  postponed  any  action  on  behalf  of  the  Seminary. 
Practically,  the  entire  work  is  still  before  us. 

Your  Committee  would  ofTer  the  following  suggestions  : 

In  the  judgment  of  your  Committee  the  time  has  come  for 
this  work  to  be  properly  accomplished,  as  it  has  been  done  in 
other  branches  of  the  Church.  As  was  indicated  in  the  his- 
torical statement  to  which  we  listened  last  evening,  the  meas- 
ure of  endowment  already  achieved  in  our  Church  has  been 
by  aggregating  small  subscriptions.  Until  recent  years,  when 
the  princely  donations  of  Messrs.  Suydam  and  Sage  were  a 
most  happy  innovation,  the  Church  was  canvassed,  and  sub- 
scriptions of  over  $5,000  were  rare.  Most  of  them  were  much 
smaller.  In  almost  all  Seminaries  in  other  branches  of  the 
Church  the  chairs  have  been  endowed  by  wealthy  individuals. 

There  seems  no  reason  now  why  the  work  should  not  be 
done  among  us  in  the  usual  way.  God  has  blessed  many  of  our 
laymen  with  large  wealth  and  large  hearts.  There  is  not  a 
cent  of  endowment  on  the  chair  of  Church  History,  and  it  is 
the  only  chair  at  present  unnamed.  Here  is  a  large  opportu- 
nity for  a  wise  and  wealthy  man.  Who  of  our  laymen  will 
follow  next  in  the  steps  of  those  noble  benefactors  whose 
names  were  just  mentioned,  and  wHl  give  $60  000  and  his  name 
to  the  Professorship  now  filled  by  Dr.  Woodbridge  ?  Or,  if 
too  modest  to  give  his  own  name,  there  is  still  available  the 
suggestion  already  thrown  out,  that  the  chair  should  bear  the 
honored  name  of  Dr.  John  H.  Livingston. 

This  action  would  free  the  Synod  at  once  from  all  present 
embarrassment,  because  the  present  Permanent  Fund  of  the 
Seminary  would  then  be  adequate   to  fill    up  the    remaining 


ADDRESS.  261 

Professorships  to  the  full  amount  named  by  Synod  as  but  just 
and  right.  Besides,  it  would  be  a  fitting  testimonial  to  the 
senior  Professor  of  the  Seminary,  who  so  faithfully  and  so 
brilliantly  has  served  the  Church  in  his  office  for  a  quarter  of 
a  century  that  he  should  be  relieved  of  all  anxiety,  by  seeing 
his  personal  comfort  securely  and  adequately  provided  for. 

2.  A  Committee  has  already  been  appointed  by  the  General 
Synod  for  this  very  purpose  of  raising  funds,  and  has  been  au- 
thorized to  employ  an  agent  for  that  purpose.  Your  Commit- 
tee recommend  that  it  be  the  sense  of  this  meeting  that  the 
Committee  proceed  at  once  to  work,  and  that  we, "collectively 
and  individually,  promise  them  all  aid  and  furtherance  in  their 
undertaking. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Mancius  H.  Hutton, 

Rcprcsenti?tg  the  Committee. 


ADDRESS 
By  Rev.  Mancius  H.  Hutton,  D.D. 

If  the  evening  were  not  so  far  gone,  I  should  like  to  speak 
at  length  of  this  matter  which  burns  in  my  heart.  There  are 
three  points  on  which  I  would  be  glad  to  enlarge  with  all  the 
force  of  which  I  am  master.  It  must  not  now  be  done,  but 
there  are  three  considerations  which  urge  to  some  such  action 
as  is  recommended  in  the  report  of  your  Committee. 

In  the  first  place  it  is  Just.  The  Church  promised 
these  Professors  that  they  should  be  put  in  a  position 
where  they  should  be  [reed  from  anxiety.  As  pastor 
of  the  families  of  most  of  them,  I  can  say  of  my  own 
knowledge,  what  they  cannot  say,  that  we  have  not  ful- 
filled the  expectations  we  justified  them  again  and  again  in 
entertaining.  There  is  not  time  now  to  explain,  but  what 
some  have  thought  to  be  elements  of  pecuniary  strength  in 
their  position,  are  really  elements  of  weakness.  I  should  like 
to  push  home  the  thought  of  the  justice  which  we  owe  our 
Professors,  and  to  leave  to  stick,  and  to  sting  where  it  sticks, 
the  sentiment  that  there   is  nothing   in   this   round  world  on 


262  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

which  God's  curse  lies  as  it  does  on  injustice.  There  is  no  one  on 
whom  His  Word  seems  more  severe,  than  on  the  man  who  will 
not  keep  his  word,  although  he  has  "sworn  to  his  own  hurt." 

In  the  second  place  something  might  be  said,  not  only  of 
the  justice,  but  of  the  advantage  of  completing  the  endow- 
ment. The  power  and  influence  of  our  Seminary,  of  v/hich  we 
who  are  alumni  are  so  proud,  have  received  this  day  many 
magnificent  compliments  from  our  visitors.  We  hardly  realize 
how  it  would  increase  that  power,  if  our  Professors  were 
placed  where  they  would  be  entirely  free  from  worldly  anxiety. 
To  do  its  most  effective  work,  the  mind  must  be  serene 
and  undisturbed.  The  noblest  study  of  all  the  historic  cen- 
turies has  been  done  in  the  quiet  cell  of  the  scholar,  who  was 
lifted  above  the  fretting  anxieties  of  daily  care  and  daily 
bread.  It  is  in  still  air  that  the  flame  leaps  highest  to  kindle  the 
torches  which  are  held  out  to  be  lit  at  it.  Dear  brethren,  even  if 
it  be  not  the  happy  lot  of  all  of  us  to  be  lifted  free  from  the  en- 
tanglement of  cares,  at  least  let  us  make  sure,  for  their  own  sake 
and  for  the  Seminary's  sake,  that  our  Professors  are  set  free. 

Lastly,  a  word  might  be  said,  not  only  of  the  justice  and  the 
advantage,  but  also  of  the  practicability  of  the  endowment. 
We  are  able  to  do  it.  We  are  in  a  different  condition  from 
that  of  the  days  when  the  earlier  Fund  slowly  and  pain- 
fully accumulated  ;  and  a  "word  in  season  "  might  be  well  and 
properly  spoken  in  the  ears  of  the  younger,  and  as  yet  not 
wholly  developed,  Suydams  and  Sages  of  the  Church.  Besides, 
the  old  fountains  are  not  yet  dry.  We  have  heard  at  this  Cen- 
tennial of  how  our  early  ministers  gave  from  their  meagre  sal- 
aries, and  so  the  Fund  slowly  grew.  There  still  abides  in  the 
Church,  in  quiet  parsonages  in  country  parishes  as  well  as  in 
those  of  the  cities,  that  same  spirit  of  the  fathers,  which  did, 
and  sufTered,  and  gave  so  much  for  the  Seminary.  Look  at 
what  our  Holland  brethren  have  done  in  these  late  months  ! 

But  I  must  not  speak  longer.  If  the  heart  is  in  us  to  do, 
when  the  Committee,  through  its  Agent,  comes  to  our  rich 
men  and  to  our  churches,  we  can  raise  that  money.  These 
three  considerations  which  have  been  but  indicated  now — jus- 
tice, advantage,  ability — I  am  persuaded  have  roots  which  run 
deeper  than  all  of  us  think  or  realize." 


THE  MINISTRY  OF  THE  PAST 
AND  OF  THE  FUTURE. 

Venerable  ami  Sacred  Alma  Mater  : 

With  a  love  and  gratitude  beyond  all  these  who  have  con- 
spired to  do  you  honor,  your  sons  salute  you  to-night ! 

I  venture  not  to  speak  of  that  cloud  of  witnesses  who  have 
gone  within  the  veil,  and  received  their  license  to  preach  in 
the  speech  of  Paradise.  Though  dead,  they  yet  speak — for 
themselves  and  for  you.  They  speak  by  their  written  words, 
by  their  deeds  which  can  never  die,  by  their  high  and  holy  ex- 
amples and  secret  but  pervasive  influence,  and  by  the  lips  of 
their  spiritual  children  whom  they  called  and  sent  forth  to  con- 
tinue their  work  on  earth. 

We  who  are  alive  and  remain,  come  up  to  this  twice-Golden 
Wedding  of  Letters  and  Religion,  whom  God  joined  together 
one  hundred  years  ago,  and  whom  may  man  never  put  asunder! 
We  come  as  children.  Yes,  as  grandchildren  and  great-grand- 
children— for  there  are  here  to-day  ministers  whose  ancestors 
for  three  generations  were  alumni  of  this  Theological  Seminary. 
We  come  to  express  our  affection,  to  renew  our  fealty,  and — if 
we  have  won  any  little  successes  in  our  work — to  lay  our  laurels 
at  your  feet.  We  come  from  all  over  this  broad  land,  and  from 
lands  unopened  to  civilization  and  almost  unheard  of  one 
hundred  years  ago  ;  from  metropolitan  pulpits,  from  mission 
chapels,  and  from  secluded  parsonages  among  the  green  fields 
of  the  country ;  from  Professors'  chairs  and  secretaries'  desks, 
and  students'  libraries,  and  editorial  dens. 

Some  have  the  weight  of  many  years  upon  their  shoulders, 
and  the  snows  of  many  winters  on  their  heads ;  they  knew  and 
walked  with  your  first-born  sons.  They  were  the  witnesses  of 
your  early  struggles  when  the  cruse  of  oil  and  the  barrel  of 
meal  were  low,  and  of  your  discomforts  in  co-operative  house- 
keeping with  Rutgers  College.    Others  belong  to  your  younger 


264  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

brood,  and  still  find  it  natural  to  creep  back  to  your  ample  and 
maternal  wing. 

But  the  most  of  us  are  in  the  harvest-tide  of  our  work  in 
the  fields  to  which  you  sent  us  forth  equipped.  It  is  neither 
the  dew  of  the  morning  nor  yet  the  chill  of  the  evening  with  us. 

We  are  not  all  of  one  name,  nor  have  we  all  been  proof 
against  the  blandishments  of  "sister  Churches  ;"  but  we  have 
sought  to  carry  elsewhere  the  grand  old  truths,  and  the  prac- 
tical skill  with  which  your  hands  endowed  us.  We  have  tried 
that  our  ecclesiastical  Mother  should  not  be  ashamed  of  us, 
and  we  trust  none  of  us  have  been. so  shallow  as  to  be  ashamed 
of  her. 

We  come  to  revive  memories  that  are  very  precious — of 
years  that  were  critical  and  crystalizing  in  our  intellectual  and 
spiritual  lives.  We  did  not  realize  it  perhaps,  or  fairly  appre- 
ciate it,  as  we  droned  away  at  our  Hebrew  roots  and  Greek  ex- 
egesis, our  didactics  and  polemics,  as  we  ate  our  boarding- 
house  dinners  or  took  our  "  constitutional "  on  the  railroad 
track  or  along  the  meandering  canal.  But  now  we  see  clearly 
and  gratefully  under  what  finely-moulding  and  firmly-building 
hands  we  were — that  we  were  under  nothing  less  than  the  nur- 
ture and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Not  that  we  are  so  narrow-sighted  as  to  trace  to  any  theo- 
logical seminary  the  alpha  or  omega  of  our  preparation  for  the 
ministry.  We  began,  perhaps  all  of  us,  our  theological  edu- 
cation on  our  mother's  knee  and  in  our  father's  house.  The 
little  catechism,  in  which  they  abrogated  their  supreme  right 
over  us  by  teaching  Who  made  us  and  Who  redeemed  us,  laid 
deep  and  true  the  foundations  of  Divinity  within  our  minds. 
They  were  our  Professors  of  a  less  learned,  but  not  less  living 
and  sacred  Theology.  They  schooled  us  to  the  daily  and  rev- 
erent reception  of  the  Word  into  childlike  hearts,  without 
which  no  Biblical  criticism,  higher  or  lower,  can  enter  beyond 
the  threshold  of  Revelation.  They  initiated  us  into  the  holy 
and  tender  ritual  of  the  family  altar,  from  the  first  cradle-hymn 
that  fell  like  an  angel's  voice  upon  our  infant  ears,  to  the  final 
benediction,  when  either  we  went  out  from  the  parental  roof 
into  the  world  or  they  went  out  from  it  into  the  heavens. 
They  taught  us,  as  none   others  could,  the  old  yet    ever  new 


THE  MINISTRY  OF  THE  PAST  AND  OF  THE  FUTURE.        265 

Theology  of  Love  : — that  God  is  Love,  that  only  he  who  dwell- 
eth  in  love  dwcUeth  in  God,  and  that  he  who  loveth  God  will 
love  his  brother  also. 

Other   agencies,  "  fine  nets  and  stratagems  to  catch  us  in," 
had  been  at  work  with  us  : 

" holy  messengers, 

Pulpits  and  Sundays;  sorrow  doj^ging  sin  ; 
Bibles  laid  open  ;  ties  of  gratefulness ; 
The  sound  of  glory  ringing  in  our  ears; 
Without;,  our  shame — within,  our  consciences  ; 
Angels,  and  grace  ;  eternal  hopes  and  fears," — 

all  these  had  been  laying  deep  their  coral  reefs  under  the  sur- 
face. It  was  our  Gracious  Mother  here,  who  took  us  at  the 
point  where  it  began  to  appear  what  we  might  be,  and  made 
the  barren  island  of  our  lives  a  grove  of  palms  and  a  garden  of 
fruits  for  the  wandering  and  storm-tost  souls  of  men. 

Nor  does  it  derogate  from  our  Alma  Mater,  to  say  that  we 
found  the  life  upon  which  she  ushered  us  a  Theological  Sem- 
inary of  wider  scope  and  more  practical  suggestion.  She  tied 
the  Sword  of  the  Spirit  to  our  sides,  but  we  learned  how  to  use 
it  only  in  the  battle.  She  led  us  beside  still  waters  and  among 
green  pastures,  but  we  yet  needed  to  learn  the  blessed  art  of 
shepherding  others,  and  above  all  ot  seeking  and  saving  the 
lost  sheep  among  the  dark  mountains.  The  Seminary  taught 
us  Divinity.  The  life-school  taught  us  Humanity — taught  us 
painfully,  perhaps,  how  much  our  own  human  natures  were  yet 
unsanctified.  We  learned  a  new  polemic,  that  there  is  a 
World-ology,  yes,  and  a  Devil-ology,  as  well  as  a  Theology. 
Doctrines  became  facts;  and  if  the  children  sometimes  fool- 
ishly asked  a  stone  we  learned  how  to  give  them  bread.  We 
found  that  those  dry  Hebrew  roots — even  old  Qata/ itseli — can 
be  made,  under  the  dews  of  Divine  grace,  to  bud  and  blossom 
as  the  rose.  We  found  that  there  are  more  things  in  heaven 
and  earth  than  were  dreamed  of,  even  in  that  highest,  deepest 
and  broadest  of  Theologies  taught  us  here.  We  learned  a 
Church  History  in  the  narrower  sphere  of  our  parishes,  which 
illuminated  and  explained  much  that  a  Mosheim  or  a  Wood- 
bridge  could  not  tell  us.  And  as  for  Preaching — we,  standing 
by  our  blackened  guns  to-day,  look  back  with  sad  amusement 


266  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

at    the  powder-monkeys   which    we  were   when   the  churches 
snapped  us  up  before  we  could  issue  from  the  Seminary  gates. 

But  the  Committee  has  left  the  children  only  the  crumbs  of 
time  on  this  occasion,  and  we  must  not  waste  them  in  per- 
sonal reminiscence.  Let  us  rather,  standing  as  we  do  to-day 
upon  a  ridge  of  time  which  looks  down  the  slope  of  the  century 
past  and  onward  through  the  century  to  come,  crowd  the  few 
moments  which  are  allotted  us  with  something  practical  to  be 
gleaned  from  both. 

Is  there  not  something  which  the  alumni  of  to-day  may 
learn  from  the  ministry  of  a  hundred  years  ago  ? 

There  is  one  trait  which  stands  out  with  exceeding  promi- 
nence in  those  our  elder  brethren.  They  were  deeply  im- 
pressed, and  they  deeply  impressed  others  with  the  sacredness 
and  dignity  of  their  calling.  They  magnified  their  of^ce,  and 
were  accordingly  magnified  by  it.  It  was  to  them  a  holy 
calling,  not  in  any  indefinite  and  goody  sense,  but  in  the  prac- 
tical sense  of  men  set  apart  from  all  pursuits  except  one,  the 
feeding  of  the  flock  of  Christ.  Hence  they  were  less  secu- 
larized than  their  successors  have  unfortunately  become.  The 
relation  of  pastor  and  people  was  less  of  a  commercial  trans- 
action. It  lasted  far  longer.  "  Hired  ministers,"  as  distinct 
from  pastors,  were  almost  unknown.  Churches  were  not  all 
the  while  stealing  each  other's  ministers,  and  ministers  were 
not  on  the  qui  vive  for  another  settlement  before  they  had  got 
fairly  settled  where  they  were. 

Their  ministry,  partly  for  that  reason,  was  more  of  an  edu- 
cating influence.  Sermons  were  events  in  the  parish.  They 
were  designed  for  doctrine  and  instruction,  not  to  say 
reproof  and  correction  in  righteousness,  and  not  for  enter- 
tainment. The  pulpit  was  a  round  tower,  armed  with  a  "  long 
nine"  that  swept  the  decks,  and  not  an  open  platform  for  rhe- 
torical or  sensational  display.  They  were  busy  feeding  the 
flock  all  through  the  week,  and  did  not  spend  their  energies  in 
"  pilling"  white  streaks  in  hazel,  poplar  and  willow  rods  with 
which  to  dazzle  their  eyes  on  Sunday,  and  hence,  probably, 
they  had  a  less  ring-streaked,  speckled  and  spotted  flock! 

Hence,  again,  there  was  more  of  the  Shepherd  and  Bishop 
about  them.    They  knew  their  sheep  and  were  known  of  them. 


THE  MINISTRY  OF  THE  PAST  AND  OF  THE  FUTURE.         267 

There  is  a  certain  shepherding  spirit  which  some  miiiistershave, 
and  which  is  a  thing  felt  rather  than  to  be  described.  It  is 
not  so  much  in  particular  acts  or  in  any  routine  of  service,  as 
in  a  somewhat  which  pervades  all  their  relations  and  inter- 
course with  their  people.  We  feel  a  benignant  presence,  the 
touch  of  a  kindly  hand,  and  the  yearning  of  a  solicitous  and 
sympathetic  heart.  We  are  conscious  of  a  personal  watch 
and  care.  They  are,  in  a.  sense,  />rtes^s  to  us  before  God.  We 
feel  that  the\'  are  always  seeking  to  bring  God  to  us,  and  to 
bring  us  to  Him.  We  know  when  they  disappear  from  the 
pulpit,  that  our  image  and  remembrance  go  with  them  to  the 
study  and  to  the  closet  of  prayer.  Their  visits,  when  we  are  ill, 
do  us  more  good  than  the  physician's.  And  the  vicissitudes  of 
life  weave  a  chain  of  trust  and  affection  between  us,  which  has 
no  counterpart  on  earth.  We  grow  into  a  corresponding  atti- 
tude and  disposition  towards  them  so  that  we  rejoice  in  the 
shepherd's  voice  and  follow  him  gladly,  and  instinctively  run 
to  him  in  every  hour  of  need  or  alarm. 

Hence,  finally,  the  old-time  minister  was  more  dignified  in 
his  manner  in  the  pulpit,  and  in  his  manners  out  of  it.  There 
was  often  a  fine  courtesy  on  both  sides,  as  when  Domine  Geb- 
hard  used  to  ascend  the  aisle  of  the  old  Claverack  church, 
amid  a  standing  congregation,  who  would  not  be  seated  till 
having  made  his  prayer  at  the  pulpit  steps,  he  was  in  his  place. 

And  if  sometimes  the  children,  too  mindful  of  the  catechism, 
did  escape  by  the  back  door  when  they  espied  the  Domine 
coming  to  the  house,  it  was  worth  something,  and  was  not  soon 
forgotten,  to  have  that  revered  hand  laid  gently  on  their  heads 
in  benediction  and  Christian  counsel.  There  was  a  praise- 
worthy carefulness  about  their  dress,  as  well  as  a  nonconform- 
ity with  the  changing  fashions  of  the  world.  There  was 
equal  carefulness  about  their  intercourse,  not  only  with  the 
world  but  with  their  own  church-members,  so  that  "  sporting  " 
ministers  were  rare,  and  the  infrequency  of  church  scandals 
would  have  starved  the  newspapers  of  our  day.  There  was 
even  a  courtliness  about  their  address,  which,  of  course,  sat  a 
little  clumsily  on  some,  and  would  perhaps  look  rather  absurd 
in  the  alumnus  of  to-day,  like  Caesar's  or  Cicero's  toga  on 
Terence  or  Catullus.    But  was  it  not  better  than  the  cutaway 


268  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

coat,  the  slouch  hat  and  the  straggling  necktie,  which  too  often 
typify  the  ministry  of  to-day  ? 

It  is  well  to  have  a  hearty,  human  way  with  men,  but  it  may 
easily  degenerate  into  a  "  hail  fellow"  way,  which  obliterates  all 
impression  of  one  set  apart  for  a  specific  mission  to  men.  The 
Domine's  old  horse  and  gig,  that  turned  instinctively  towards 
every  gate-post  on  the  road,  was  not  a  particularly  elegant  or 
even  sacred  turn-out.  But  is  there  not  danger  of  what  might 
be  called  a  bicycle  ministry  ?  I  do  not  mean  to  disparage  that 
ingenious  invention,  nor  forbid  its  use  to  the  weary  student  of 
any  kind  ;  but  neither  do  I  regard  them  as  the  realization  of 
the  wheels  in  Ezekiel's  vision  !  Nor  can  I  conceive  of  a  Dr. 
Livingston,  or  Frelinghuysen,  or  Kuypers  looming  up  before 
his  astounded  parishioners  on  one  of  them.  At  the  same  time 
we  must  not  forget  that  that  was  a  day  of  gigs,  and  that  a 
Livingston  would  be  a  Livingston  still,  whether  on  one  wheel 
or  on  four. 

I  am  not  contending  for  modes,  but  for  character ;  and  de- 
pend upon  it,  character  is  the  principal  thing.  I  am  not  point- 
ing back  to  the  clothes,  but  to  the  men,  of  a  hundred  years 
ago.  Those  grand  men  who  led  the  fashion  of  that  day  were 
just  the  ones  to  have  adapted  themselves  to  the  changed  con- 
ditions of  to-day.  What  we  need  is  a  revival  of  the  clerical 
and  pastoral  consciousness — I  will  not  venture  to  say  con- 
science. When  we  live  always  under  the  impress  of  a  divine 
calling,  we  shall  have  no  dif^culty  in  suitably  impressing  an  ir- 
reverent and  unshepherded  world  with  it. 

And  now,  what  of  the  Ministry  of  the  future  ?  I  shall  not  say 
of  a  hundred  years  hence,  but  that  which  we  may  hope  will 
culminate  then  in  such  a  ministry  as  the  world  has  never  seen 
since  the  Master  breathed  on  his  Apostles,  and  said,  "  Receive 
ye  the  Holy  Ghost !" 

Our  Seminary  was  never  younger  or  stronger,  or  more  pliant 
to  the  needs  of  the  Church  and  of  the  world  than  it  is  to-day. 
Its  face  is  only  for  a  moment  toward  the  past.  It  is  set 
steadfastly  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem.  All  this  stir  and  concourse 
and  congratulation,  all  this  conference  and  criticism,  all  this 
boldness  and  wideness  of  planning,  mean  but  one  thing — such 
a  waking  up  to  the  future  and  the  broadening  requisites  of  the 


THE  MINISTRY  OF  THE  PAST  AND  OF  THE  FUTURE.         269 

ministry  of  the  future  as  shall  amount  practically  to  a  forget- 
ting of  the  things  that  are  behind— alike  its  successes  and  short- 
comings— and  a  reaching  forth  unto  the  things  that  are  before, 
even  the  prize-mark  of  God's  high  calling.  There  is  no  such 
responsibility  to  God  and  the  kingdom  of  God  lodged  any- 
where as  in  the  schools  for  the  training  of  the  ministry.  Not 
in  the  warehouses,  factories,  ship-yards,  or  grain  elevators,  not 
even  in  the  state-houses  and  school-houses,  is  the  key  to  the 
next  hundred  years  of  our  country,  but  in  the  kind  of  ministry 
which  shall  be  sent  out — in  its  piety  and  orthodoxy  to  resist 
the  tides  of  unbelief  and  latitudinarianism,  and  in  its  capacity  to 
win  back  the  masses  to  the  Church.  And  every  School  like 
this,  which  stands  as  squarely  on  the  primitive  rock  of  truth  as 
it  ever  did,  and  at  the  same  time  is  running  upward  and  out- 
ward its  towers  of  outlook  and  aggression,  its  palaces  of  cul- 
ture and  bulwarks  of  defence,  is  to  be  zealously  cherished  and 
stimulated  by  every  lover  of  Christ  and  country.  Let  us  have 
large  and  lofty  ideals  of  our  Seminary,  and  it  will  in  its  turn 
inculcate  large  and  lofty  ideals  of  their  work  in  those  who  are 
to  be  the  master-builders  of  the  future. 

We  have,  I  trust,  advanced  and  improved  upon  our  grand- 
fathers and  great-grandfathers  in  many  things,  some  of  which 
I  have  not  the  time  even  to  mention.  The  minister  of  to-day 
has  far  more  of  the  Evangelistic  spirit,  and  is  not  so  exclusively 
the  pastor  of  the  sheep  already  gathered.  He  may  not  be  as 
learned  in  the  special  studies  of  his  calling,  but  he  is  more  gen- 
erally intelligent.  He  knows  more  of  liuman  nature,  and 
comes  a  great  deal  more  in  contact  with  its  raw  material. 
Total  depravity  is  not  emphasized  so  much  as  a  doctrine,  but 
it  is  more  felt  as  a  fact.  He  has  more  flexibility,  and  the 
Pauline  adaptedness  to  all  men,  whether  he  uses  it  in  a 
Pauline  way  or  not.  The  mountain  having  ceased  to  come  to 
Mahomet,  Mahomet  has  learned  gracefully  to  go  to  the  moun- 
tain. 

But  the  future  will  need  to  advance  and  improve  upon  the 
present,  as  much  as  and  far  more  than  the  present  has  modified 
the  past.  Let  us  glance,  then,  at  the  question.  Wherein  will 
the  coming  ministry  need  to  differ  from  either  that  of  a  hun- 
dred years  ago  or  that  of  to-day? 


27©  ■  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

There  is,  of  course,  a  Coming  Man.  There  always  is.  He  is 
always,  like  Milton's  "  tawny  Hon  "  at  the  Creation,  "  pawing 
to  get  free  his  hinder  parts  "  from  the  soil  of  to-day.  And  the 
Ministry,  which  is  to  be  "  all  things  to  all  men,"  cannot  afford 
to  stand  still,  or  to  be  cast  in  the  moulds  of  another,  even 
though  a  better,  age.  The  Coming  Man  must  determine  the 
Coming  Minister. 

And  this  may  be  trusted  to  take  care  of  itself,  if  the  minis- 
ter— who  is  himself  a  man — is  permitted  to  be  a  man  of  his 
times.  The  danger  in  all  Academic  study,  from  its  depen- 
dence upon  the  wisdom  and  experience  of  the  past,  is  in  re- 
taining not  only  the  old  wine  but  the  old  bottles.  The  Col- 
lege or  Seminary  is  always  tending  to  become  a  little  eddy  in 
the  stream  of  time,  where  one  circles  round  and  round  for  a 
while,  and  when  he  emerges  finds  himself  no  further  on  in  life's 
real  work  than  when  he  turned  aside  into  it.  Dr.  Wm.  M. 
Baker's  story,  ''  The  New  Timothy,"  should  be  a  text-book  in 
the  hands  of  every  theological  student,  and  should  be  read 
every  year  by  each  Professor  and  member  of  the  Board  of 
Superintendents.  It  presents,  of  course,  an  extreme  case. 
But  in  too  many  instances  it  is  true  that,  like  the  young  hero 
of  that  book,  the  theological  alumnus  has  first,  if  not  to  undo 
his  three  years'  teaching,  at  least  to  spend  another  three  years 
in  getting  rid  of  scholastic  habits  and  illusions,  and  in  learning 
how  to  bring  his  heavily  shotted  guns  to  bear  upon  real  men. 
and  the  actual  strongholds  of  Satan. 

We  have  been  hearing  a  good  deal  about  a  "  College 
Fetich."  Might  it  not  be  well  to  inquire  whether  there  may 
not  have  been  something  like  a  Seminary  Fetich,  which  has 
enorossed  the  attention  of  students  for  the  Ministry  at  the  ex- 
pense of  training  in  matters  of  more  living,  practical,  imme- 
diate and  general  importance  to  the  winner  of  souls?  We 
need  experts  in  Hebrew  and  other  tongues  and  forms  of  sacred 
erudition,  but  the  number  who  are  called  thereto  is  small 
and  exceptional.  What  the  ninety  and  nine  require  is  to 
learn  the  common  speech  of  living  men,  and  to  become  ex- 
perts in  declaring  to  them  in  their  own  tongue  the  wonderful 
works  of  God. 

There  has  been  a  marked  progress  in  ministerial  training  in 


THE  MINISTRY  OF  THE  PAST  AND  OF  THE  FUTURE.        271 

these  directions  during  the  last  few  years,  but  our  divinity 
schools  can  all  afford  to  feel  the  force  of  the  current  a  good 
deal  more.  We  need  not  less  the  Theological  Seminary,  the 
seed-plot  and  nursery  of  sacred  learning  for  mild  Melancthons. 
But  the  age  demands  also  the  training-school  for  stalwart 
Luthers  and  educated  Moodys,  whose  senses  have  been  exer. 
cised  and  their  strong  arms  drilled  to  swing  the  scythe  and  rake 
the  ripened  grain.  Pray  ye  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  that  He 
send  forth  reapers  into  His  harvest.  And  not  only  pray,  but 
provide  them  ! 

The  Ministry  of  the  Future  must  be  a  highly  educated 
ministry.  The  popular  intelligence  grows  at  a  marvelous  pace, 
where  schools  are  free,  and  reading  matter  as  thick  and  cheap 
as  leaves  in  Vallombrosa.  And  the  ministry  cannot  hope  to 
maintain  its  influence  and  veneration,  unless  it  continues  to  be 
recognized  as  the  most  learned  class  of  society.  And  no  pas- 
torate will  have  staying  or  fruitful  qualities,  unless  the  incum- 
bent is  felt  to  be  not  only  a  better  but  a  better-informed  man. 

But  he  is  only  half  educated,  who  has  received  knowledge 
but  who  has  not  learned  to  impart  it.  And  he  is  not  educated 
at  all,  but  only  elongated,  whose  acquirements  have  been  con- 
fined to  the  narrow  range  of  professional  studies.  Here  is  the 
rock  which  wrecks  many  of  our  most  intellectual  and  learned 
ministers  (I  was  about  to  say  ablest,  but  ability  is  something 
more  than  a  stuffed  capacity  ;  it  is  the  power  not  to  hold  but 
to  use  Mere  book-education  may  be  only  a  dis3.h\\wg).  And 
it  accounts  for  the  tendency  of  many  congregations  to  prefer  a 
shallow  and  adroit  sensationalism,  rather  than  to  become  the 
dumping-ground  of  some  walking  library,  or  the  receiver  of 
second-hand  text-books.  We  want  a  ministry  so  cultivated 
and  disciplined,  that  they  can  content  the  highest  intellectual 
demand,  and  at  the  same  time  make  themselves  perfectly  intel- 
ligible and  interesting  to  the  common  mind.  And  this  is 
simply  a  matter  of  clear  thinking,  the  thinking  out  for  oneself 
of  one's  thoughts,  and  training  oneself  to  express  them  in  the 
most  simple  and  idiomatic  language,  so  that  it  is  his  oivn  real 
thought  in  his  ozvn  real  ivords.  And,  added  to  all  this,  an  atti- 
tude of  intellectual  and  spiritual  sympathy  with  plain  people. 

One  must  not  preach  into  his  paper,  but  into  living  hearts. 


272  CENTENNIAL   xMEMORIAL. 

I  am  not  a  fanatical  foe  against  written  sermons,  notwith- 
standing tliat  tiiey  have  been  my  own  "  Alexander,  the  Cop- 
persmith," and  done  me  much  harm.  But  there  is  no  little 
truth  in  Sidney  Smith's  favorite  story  of  the  tame  magpie 
which  flew  into  a  Church,  alighted  on  the  desk  and  seized  hold 
of  the  preacher's  manuscript,  whereat  a  terrific  combat  ensued 
between  the  two,  all  the  congregation  being  in  favor  of  the  mag- 
pie !  But  whether  through  a  paper  horn  or  not,  he  should 
preach — that  is,  there  should  be  nothing  between  his  soul  and 
the  soul  of  the  hearer.  Otherwise,  he  might  as  well  speak 
through  a  telephone.  And  the  worst  thing  to  get  between 
him  and  the  people  is  himself,  his  self-consciousness.  The  ex- 
perience of  the  late  Bishop  Simpson,  one  of  the  most  perfect 
preachers  this  country  has  produced,  is  worthy  of  mention 
here.  He  records  his  utter  failure  as  a  speaker  till  he  forced 
himself  to  forget  self,  and,  banishing  all  thought  of  oratory,  to 
give  himself  absolutely  to  the  task  of  saying  things  so  that 
people  could  readily  understand  them. 

A  minister  is  a  poor  cheap  penny-trumpet  of  an  instrument, 
who  is  not  en  rapport  with  his  people  ;  who  has  not  so  mingled 
with  them  as  to  realize  all  the  while  how  they  live,  and  think 
and  talk  and  feel,  and  sin  and  sorrow,  and  hunger  and  thirst 
for  righteousness  ;  who  has  not  learned  to  think  on  their  level, 
and  see  things  from  their  point  of  view,  and  translate  his  own 
lore  into  their  vernacular ;  and,  above  all,  who  is  not  himself  a 
childlike  pupil  in  the  school  of  Jesus.  It  seems  to  me  that 
our  Seminaries  might  be  made  more  Christocentric,  if  not  in 
their  Theology,  at  least  in  their  practical  training.  I  should 
like  to  see  a  chair  endowed  with  the  express  purpose  of  pre- 
senting Jesus  as  the  Normal  Teacher,  the  perfect  model  (and 
the  only  one  that  we  need)  of  how  to  teach  the  very  highest 
and  the  very  lowest ;  how  to  confront  one's  age,  and  how  to 
save  the  lost. 

Do  you  say,  "  These  things  have  always  been  requisites  "  ? 
Exactly  so.  And  it  is  because  the  ministry  and  the  minister- 
ial training  of  the  past  have  been  defective  just  here,  that  the 
pulpit  has  so  lamentabl}'  lost  its  hold  upon  plain  people.  And, 
therefore,  the  Ministry  of  the  Future  has  a  double  task — to 
win  them  back,  as  well  as  hold  them  to  the  truth. 


THE  MINISTRY  OF  THE  PAST  AND  OF  THE  FUTURE.        273 

The  age  on  whose  threshold  we  stand  would  seem  to  be  that 
of  which  the  Scripture  prophesies,  when  "  many  shall  run  to 
and  fro,  and  knowledge  shall  be  increased."  The  world  is 
being  all  brought  into  neighborhood  relations,  and  everybody 
knows  something  of  everything.  The  key  and  type  of  the  age 
is  the  Newspaper.  It  commands  more  potent  genii  than 
Aladdin's  Lamp,  and,  by  aid  of  the  telegraph,  the  steam-press 
and  the  railroad,  lays  each  day  before  the  world  the  world's 
doings  for  the  past  twenty-four  hours.  It  is  too  much  a  form- 
less void  as  yet,  and  darkness  is  upon  its  chaotic  face.  It  is  a 
monster,  ''  horrendum,  informe,  ingcns,''  and  the  flapping  of 
its  dragon  wings,  and  the  champing  of  its  red  jaws  are  as  often 
destructive  to  the  children  of  the  light  as  of  the  night.  But 
there  it  stands — the  image  of  the  Nineteenth  Century,  and  the 
omen  of  the  Twentieth !  Its  power  is  in  its  legitimacy  as  a 
product  of  the  times.  It  represents  the  intensity,  the  curiosity, 
the  community  of  interest,  which  characterize  the  world.  It 
is  a  chameleon  which  reflects  the  precise  aspect  of  to-day. 
Everybody  reads  the  paper.  They  cannot  help  doing  so.  It  is 
so  interesting,  so  vital,  so  stirring,  so  to  the  point,  so  busy  with 
the  practical  and  the  present,  nothing  stale,  nothing  abstract, 
nothing  visionary.  It  comes  straight  home  to  men's  business 
and  bosoms. 

And  you  will  permit  me  to  say  that  the  preaching  of  the 
future  will  only  meet  the  wants  of  the  future,  of  the  coming 
man  and  the  man  that  now  is,  as  it  shall  be  essentially  journal- 
istic— by  which  I  mean,  as  the  word  imports,  a  thing  of  the 
day.  It  must  address  the  Man  of  to-day.  It  must  treat  every 
theme  in  the  light  of  to-day.  And  it  must  be  full  of  the  life 
and  local  color  of  to-day.  You  cannot  hold  men  to  the  pul- 
pit, much  less  rivet  them  to  it  by  an  irresistible  fascination  of 
curiosity  and  reality,  without  this.  The  men  who  do  hold 
them,  and  who  are  staying  the  ebb-tide  of  the  masses  from 
Church-going,  are  just  these  journalistic  preachers.  Some  of 
them  are  needlessly  sensational,  but  they  would  be  so  any- 
where. And  better  to  be  sensational,  so  long  as  it  is  in  the 
service  of  the  Gospel,  than  to  be  somniferous.  You  cannot  in- 
terest or  reach  the  man  of  the  Nineteenth  Century  with  a 
Ninth  Century  sermon  ;  no,  nor  the  man  of  the  Twentieth  Cen- 
18 


274  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

tury  with  a  Nineteenth  Century  sermon.  You  can  be  just  as 
orthodox  and  evangelical  as  you  like,  just  as  educated  and 
eloquent  as  you  can  be  made,  just  as  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
and  of  travail  for  souls  as  God  can  give  you  grace  to  be  ;  but 
you  must  put  what  you  have  to  say  in  a  style  akin  to  the  con- 
densed, concrete,  intensely  human  and  unconventional  way 
which  we  associate  with  real  "  live  "  journalism.  And  then, 
perhaps,  that  industrious  spider,  the  Sunday  newspaper,  will 
not,  after  all,  succeed  in  weaving  cobwebs  over  our  Church 
doors  ! 

Some  may  shrink  from  this  plain  statement.  But  the  style 
to  which  I  refer,  possessing  the  best  qualities  of  the  best  and 
most  successful  journalism,  is  essentially  the  style  of  all  the 
sermons  which  are  reported  to  us  in  the  Bible,  whether  of 
Jotham,  or  Ecclesiastes,  or  Malachi,  whether  of  John  the 
Baptist  or  of  Paul,  or  (I  say  it  reverently)  of  the  Master  him- 
self, peerless  in  preaching  as  in  all  things  else.  It  is  not  need- 
ful to  be  ex  tempore,  but  we  must  speak  ad  tempus,  or  we  will 
be  to  the  world  as  those  that  dream  and  talk  in  their  sleep. 
It  should  never  be  forgotten  that  the  Doctor  of  Theology  and 
Philosophy  is  one  thing,  and  the  teacher  of  plain  men  in  the 
way  of  righteousness  and  eternal  life  is  another — just  as  Black- 
stone  and  Story  are  one  thing,  and  the  jury  lawyer  is  another — 
or  as  Hippocrates  and  Galen  differ  from  the  practicing  physi- 
cian and  the  dispensing  apothecary. 

The  Ministry  of  the  Future  needs  to  be  a  sanctified  minis- 
try. Another  commonplace,  you  say.  But  what  teaching  of 
God's  eternal  truth  is  anything  else  than  an  emphasizing  of 
commonplaces?  The  truths  of  God  are  like  a  bank  of  piano- 
keys.  Our  work  is  to  re-tune  them,  as  one  by  one  they  grow 
faint  or  flat.  The  coming  man  is  likely  to  be  less  a  man  set 
apart  from  the  things  of  this  world  than  ever.  The  world 
grows  more  worldly.  Our  complex  civilization  compels  more 
and  more  absorption  in  the  mere  business  of  living,  and  invites 
to  more  distraction  from  the  life  eternal.  And  as  the  earth 
grows  darker  and  the  mists  gather,  the  ministering  moon  must 
fill  its  lamp  and  round  its  globe  of  light  from  the  divine  and 
unseen  Sun. 

We  shall  need,  first  of  all,  a  convinced  ministry,  who  know 


THE  MINISTRY  OF  THE  PAST  AND  OF  THE  FUTURE.         275 

what  they  believe  and  why  they  beHeve  it.  I  f  the  piHars  of  the 
house  tremble,  the  whole  fabric  totters  to  its  fall.  The  trouble 
is  not  that  any  considerable  number  of  our  ministers  are  here- 
tics— much  less  liable  to  be  apostates.  But  there  are  so  many 
now-a-days  who  are  just  enough  affected  by  the  malaria  of 
skeptical  criticism  to  suffer  from  dumb  ague,  and  not  to  stand 
squarely  on  their  feet.  They  really  do  not  know  where  they 
stand.  They  do  not  accept  error,  but  are  manifestly  groping 
about  for  light,  and  are  to  that  extent  not  so  much  ''blind 
leaders"  to  their  people  as  blind  beggars.  Depend  upon  it, 
no  one  has  a  right  to  preach  unless  he  has  received  the  Word 
direct  from  God  into  his  own  saved,  illuminated,  purified  and 
rejoicing  soul.  Says  a  profound  writer  :  "  Mankind  will  be- 
lieve no  one  but  God,  and  he  only  can  persuade  mankind  who 
believes  that  God  has  spoken  to  him.  No  one  can  give  faith, 
unless  he  has  faith.  The  persuaded  persuade,  as  the  indul- 
gent disarm." 

The  pulpit  of  to-day  is  an  indulgent  pulpit — indulgent  to 
error,  indulgent  to  worldly  living,  and  to  low  standards  of  faith 
and  practice,  indulgent  to  men's  consciences  and  fears  of  judg- 
ment. And,  therefore,  it  is  a  disarming  pulpit,  and  not  being 
fully  persuaded  itself,  it  is  an  unpersuading  pulpit.  The  very 
fact  that  so  much  of  the  preaching  is  apologetic,  devoted  to 
direct  attempts  to  argue  men  out  of  the  current  dcjubts,  is  a 
sign  of  weakness.  It  suggests  that  the  preacher's  own  head  is 
circled  by  the  swarming  gnats  of  doubt,  if  he  is  always  swing- 
ing his  arms  and  slapping  his  handkerchief  at  them.  What 
men  need  to  see  is  that  these  truths  are  facts  to  their  minister, 
impelling  him  to  soberness,  righteousness  and  godliness  corre- 
sponding to  their  tremendous  import,  and  then  the  truth  will 
grow  upon  them  and  glow  before  their  eyes  as  fact.  The 
logical  order  of  faith's  entrance  is,  heart  first,  head  afterwards. 
We  must  all  be  converted  as  was  Saul  of  Tarsus,  conscience- 
smitten  and  broken-hearted  by  the  vision  of  a  loving  Savior, 
and  then  bowing  his  regal  intellect  before  transfigured  Truth. 

By  sanctified  I  do  not  mean  sanctimonious.  It  is  impos- 
sible to  overlook  the  fact  that  the  impression  of  consecration 
and  ministerial  dignity  given  by  the  fathers  had  its  hollow 
counterfeit   of    mere   deportment   and   precisianism.     I  would 


276  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

'Carefully  distinguish  between  a  clerical  air  and  cut  and,  per- 
haps, whine,  and  what  I  have  called  the  consciousness  of  God's 
high  and  holy  calling.  There  is  a  conventional  withdrawal 
from  secular  life  on  the  part  of  ministers,  equivalent  to  the 
fashionable  vacation  from  balls  and  operas  practiced  by  certain 
genteel  Christians  in  Lent.  It  is  as  important  for  those  who 
occupy  the  pulpit  to  observe  the  outward  proprieties  of  their 
profession  as  for  the  judge  upon  the  bench.  But  the  cruci- 
.fixion  of  the  heart  is  the  only  real  mark  of  an  apostle.  The 
-minister  of  the  future  must  depend  more  and  more  upon  char- 
•acter.  The  merely  professional  air  and  consciousness  will  not 
commend  him  to  the  coming  man.  He  must  not  be  an  eccle- 
siastic, a  Church-man,  but  a  man  of  God  ;  not  a  clergyman, 
but  a  genuine  minister  of  Christ  and  of  men.  He  will  be 
chief  among  men  in  proportion  as  he  is  their  servant.  Jesus 
had  not  the  slightest  trace  of  an  ecclesiastic.  It  is  impossible 
to  think  of  Paul  as  a  "  clergyman  "  in  the  conventional  sense 
of  that  term.  He  was  everywhere  a  man  and  a  brother,  and 
men  knew  in  their  hearts — not  by  any  gown  or  white  cravat, 
or  clerical  unction,  but  by  the  demonstration  of  the  Spirit, 
manifest  in  his  personality  as  in  his  preaching — that  he  was  a 
teacher  come  from  God. 

By  character  I  do  not  mean  mere  freedom  from  scandal  or 
suspicion,  though  that  is  something  in  this  detective  age  and 
this  day  of  personal  criticism.  I  am  not  sorry  to  see  men  in 
high  position  sifted  like  wheat,  and  with  a  moral  sieve  which 
has  all  the  ten  holes  in  order.  I  do  not  wholly  deprecate  scan- 
dals in  such  cases.  It  is  time  that  Caesar  himself,  as  well  as 
Caesar's  wife,  should  be  above  suspicion.  The  scythe  of  criti- 
cism may  sometimes  be  cruel  and  indiscriminating ;  but  so 
are  the  cleansing  gale  and  the  fertilizing  thunder-shower.  The 
only  thing  for  the  minister  to  do  is  to  keep  himself  unspotted 
from  the  world,  and  he  will  not  be  spotted  by  it.  Some  men 
have  such  a  clean  surface  that  mud  will  not  stick.  The  floods 
of  defamation  in  the  case  of  such  men  are  like  the  water  that 
flows  over  the  Storbach  Fall,  which  becomes  invisible  spray 
before  it  reaches  the  foot  of  the  precipice.  Insinuations  of 
evil  have  the  effect  of  wit,  from  the  sheer  absurdity  of  the  as- 
sociation. 


THE  MINISTRY  OK  THE  PAST  AND  OF  THE  FUTURE.        277 

But  I  am  not  referring  to  any  such  low  standard.  What  the 
world  looks  for  in  the  minister  is  not  the  conventional  and 
commercial  virtues  of  its  own  code.  They  take  these  for 
granted,  and  rightly  regard  us  as  Judases  if  we  are  found 
wanting  in  them.  They  are  looking,  whether  consciously  or 
not,  for  something  which  the  world's  best  goodness  extendeth 
not  unto,  something  which  from  its  very  nature  they  have  not 
and  cannot  have — in  other  words,  w^worldliness.  They  must 
feel  us  to  be  men  apart,  moving  in  an  atmosphere  of  spiritual- 
ity before  which  their  souls  are  in  awe,  as  of  a  Shekinah  where 
Jehovah  dwells.  The  more  worldly  the  world  and  the  Church 
become,  the  more  unworldly  and  spiritually-minded  must  the 
ministry  be,  as  in  the  case  of  those  Saints  and  Fathers  of  the 
Middle  Ages,  who  literally  (though  often  mistakenly  in  their 
methods)  were  crucified  to  the  world  and  the  world  to  them, 
and  to  whom  we  owe  the  rills  of  life  and  the  eras  of  revival 
which  kept  the  faith  alive  upon  the  earth. 

The  Theological  Seminary  of  the  future  has  a  vast  and  sol- 
emn responsibility  in  this  respect.  The  Seminary  may  always 
be  depended  on  to  take  care  of  the  "  professional"  evolution  of 
its  alumni.  I  have  no  doubt  it  will  turn  out  better  preachers 
and  theologians.  But  will  it  send  forth  holier  men,  and  more 
consecrated  ministers?  I  would  that  some  curriculum  of 
"  spiritual  exercises"  might  be  practicable.  I  would  have  it 
less  of  a  monastery  in  its  scholastic,  and  more  of  a  monastery 
in  its  religious  training.  In  swinging  away  from  the  Latin 
Church,  have  we  not  in  some  things  come  near  swinging  out- 
side of  the  Holy  Catholic  Church  altogether  ?  And  is  not  one 
of  these  the  disuse  of  religious  retirement  and  of  systematic 
self-discipline  ? 

To  sum  up  all  we  have  been  saying  in  a  word  ;  the  purpose 
of  the  ministry,  the  kind  of  knowledge  needed  for  their  equip- 
ment, and  the  consecration  requisite  for  their  acceptance  of 
God  and  true  success  with  men,  are  the  same  from  age  to  age. 
Methods  of  work — of  speaking  to  men,  of  living  among  them, 
and  of  laboring  with  them — need  to  be  continually,  instinc- 
tivel)',  fearlessly  modified  with  the  changing  conditions  of  hu- 
man life  and  thought. 


278  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Thus,  standing  as  a  humble  spokesman  on  this  Centennial 
occasion  for  the  alumni  of  the  present,  I  have  deemed  it  well 
to  inquire  of  the  former  age,  and  at  the  same  time  to  venture 
some  suggestions  for  the  days  that  are  to  come.  They  are 
but  meagre  hints  at  best ;  but  spoken  at  an  hour  like  this,  per- 
haps they  will  not  be  without  their  inspiration  to  the  repre- 
sentative minds  before  me. 

I  am  sure  that  I  truly  represent  my  brethren  of  the  Alumni, 
when  I  say  that  we  heartily  respond  to  the  plan  and  appeal 
for  the  further  endowment  and  extension  of  our  beloved  Sem- 
inary. Our  hearts  have  been  thrilled  with  the  recital  of  our 
fathers'  fidelity  and  self-sacrifice  in  the  long  and  weary  years 
of  its  upbuilding,  and  we  shall  try  not  to  be  found  wanting  in 
this  movement  to  place  the  capstone  thereon  with  shoutings 
of  "Grace,  grace  unto  it." 

But,  after  all,  the  best  thing  we  can  do  for  our  Alma  Mater, 
and  the  coming  ages,  is  for  each  one  to  seek  to  deserve  His 
approval  when  He  comes  to  make  up  His  jewels,  and  to  set  His 
stars  in  the  firmament  of  His  glory. 


CLOSING  ADDRESS 


Rev,  a.  R,  Van  Nest,  D.D. 


CHAIRMAN. 


CLOSING    ADDRESS. 

"Ye  have  dwelt  long  enough  in  this  mount,"  and,  brethren 
it  has  been  a  grand  mountain — a  mount  of  privilege.  What 
Dr.  Prentiss  said  this  afternoon  I  think  every  one  must  have 
felt.  I  wish  he  had  been  here  yesterday  afternoon.  He  said 
he  thought  this  was  the  best  meeting  he  had  ever  attended, 
and  then  added,  "  of  this  kind."  The  celebration  from  the  be- 
ginning, every  step  of  it,  has  been  worthy  of  our  old  Seminary. 
I  begin  with  the  pastor  of  this  Church,  in  that  spirited  address, 
in  which  he  seemed  to  give  the  key-note  to  the  meetings. 
And  then  the  President  of  our  Synod — so  brave  and  strong — I 
thank  Dr.  Cole.  And  then  that  wonderful  discourse  of  Pro- 
fessor Woodbridge  ;  I  have  known  and  loved  him,  but  I  thought 
he  was  grander  than  ever  before.  And  what  pleased  me  more 
than  all  was  his  declaration  that  the  Seminary  was  to  stand  by 
the  truth  under  all  circumstances,  and  he  was  speaking  for  the 
Professors.  And  so  it  has  gone  on.  Dr.  Vermilye,  in  his  old 
age;  my  beloved  classmate  Taylor,  so  beautiful  in  his  elo- 
quence. I  cannot  go  into  all  the  particulars,  but  I  say  now> 
brethren,  all  has  been  done  well.  There  was  our  President  of 
the  College  ;  who  could  have  surpassed  him  in  his  speech  to- 
day? And  our  dear  brother  from  Hope  College,  with  all  his 
affections  here,  and  yet  his  hopes  there.  Brethren,  it  is  a  privi- 
lege, and  }'et  the  gratification  must  end.  I  said  to  a  brother 
to-day,  "  My  speech  has  been  taken  away."  What  I  wanted 
to  say  was,  that  it  was  the  business  of  our  Seminary  to  stand 
by  the  truth  of  God.  That  has  been  done  all  the  way  through. 
It  has  been  reiterated  over  and  over  again,  that  this  Seminary 
of  New  Brunswick  is  ever  to  be  firm  for  the  truth  and  to  stand 
fast  against  all  modern  skeptical  thought.  Blessed  be  God  for 
that  iron-clad  oath  which  ties  up  Professors.  I  had  heard 
it  taken  only  a  short  time  ago,  and  it  seemed  to  me  that  it 
was  perfect  in  its  arrangement.  And  Dr.  Campbell,  so  terse 
and  strong  in  his  sentences.     And  there  is  the  whole  system 


282  CENTENNIAL    MEMORIAL. 

throughout ;  the  noble  professors  who  have  gone  before,  who 
have  all  been  consistent  together;  then  this  great  heraldry  of 
Holland,  100,000  martyrs,  all  standing  up  and  living  and  dying 
for  the  truth  ;  if  men  can  be  compelled  by  any  force  on  earth, 
these  men  of  ours  must  be  faithful.  A  hundred  years  have 
passed,  and  there  is  a  succession  of  godly  men  standing  out,  liv- 
ing in  this  community,  walking  these  streets,  and  is  it  not  pleas- 
ant to  say  this  day  that  there  has  never  been  a  shadow  over 
this  Seminary  in  all  these  years,  a  hundred  years  of  pureness,  of 
faith  and  love.  It  is  something  to  stand  up  and  say  that 
to-day,  as  our  historian,  Dr.  Demarest,  has  done  so  eloquently. 

Brethren,  it  is  late,  but  I  will  declare  just  now  that  these 
two  days,  ending  these  hundred  years,  must  be  a  cause  of  pride 
to  every  faithful  Dutchman.  Here  came  brethren  from  all  the 
other  Seminaries  to  tell  us  that  we  were  true,  and  that  the  rea- 
son they  came  was  because  we  had  been  such  a  bulwark  for 
God.  What  testimonies  they  were  that  they  came  bearing  to  us 
this  afternoon  !  Sometimes  I  think  the  coming  of  our  Savior 
is  drawing  nigh  ;  it  seems  to  me  as  if  His  signals  were  floating 
in  the  sky  ;  1  see  one  like  unto  the  Son  of  man,  His  head  and 
hairs  white  as  snow,  and  His  eyes  like  a  flame  of  fire;  His 
vesture  is  dipped  in  blood,  and  upon  His  thigh  is  a  name 
written,  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords;  and,  brethren, 
when  that  glorious  appearing  takes  place,  I  feel  that  the  Pro- 
fessors in  this  Seminary  will  be  standing  in  their  places,  hold- 
ing forth  the  truth  of  God,  faithful  even  unto  death.  But 
"eternal  vigilance  "  is  the  price  of  liberty,  and  so  we  must 
keep  our  guards,  these  guards  that  have  made  the  Church  so 
successful,  and  brave  and  mighty,  for  three  hundred  years  past. 
We  must  keep  our  guards,  stick  to  the  old  Heidleberg  preach- 
ing, indoctrinate  our  children,  lift  up  the  banners  of  the  Belgic 
Confession,  and  the  Articles  of  the  Synod  of  Dort. 

Let  us  not  have  a  single  star  erased,  nor  a  single  stripe  ob- 
scured. Let  us  stand  by  our  standards,  faithful  in  our  places 
and  then  this  Seminary  shall  be  like  a  pillar  and  ground  of  the 
truth,  and  in  the  day  of  the  Savior's  glorious  coming,  it  shall 
be  what  I  prophecy  it  will  be,  a  hundred  years  from  this  time. 

I  wanted  to  say  one  or  two  words  in  conclusion,  and  the 
first  is  this.     I  wish  that  everybody  would  feel  that  this  Semi- 


CLOSING  ADDRESS.  283 

nary  is  our  j)roperty,  these  Professors  are  our  Professors.  Now 
I  want  that  truth  to  be  carried  home  to-night  especially.  We 
have  a  whole  system  of  order.  We  have  a  General  Synod,  and 
that  Synod  controls  the  Classes,  and  other  Synods,  and  that 
Synod  acts;  and,  brethren,  when  that  Synod  acts,  it  acts  for 
the  whole  Ciuuch  ;  it  acts  for  you  and  for  me;  and  when  that 
Synod  voted  its  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, the  responsibility  came  not  on  my  head,  not  on  yours 
alone,  but  on  all  its  members;  and  when  it  asks  for  the  educa- 
tion cause  and  for  Domestic  Missions,  there  is  something  com- 
ing to  us ;  and  when  we  elect  these  brethren  as  our  Professors, 
they  are  ours,  our  own  property,  and  we  ought  to  support 
them,  pray  for  them,  correct  them  if  that  is  necessary,  tell 
them  to  their  faces  if  they  do  wrong  ;  but  we  ought  to  raise 
money  to  keep  them  from  want.  It  is  all  our  affair.  If  there 
is  any  failure,  it  will  be  your  discredit  and  mine. 

Again,  I  do  not  care  for  half-way  men  ;  the  Lord  asks  for 
the  whole  heart  or  none.  I  am  in  the  Dutch  Church,  I  have 
lived  in  the  same  relations  because  I  believe  in  it,  and  that  it  is 
the  best  way  of  going  to  heaven.  I  would  not  transplant,  ex- 
cept for  a  better  ;  it  is  my  Church  ;  I  have  chosen  it,  I  have 
sworn  to  sustain  it  ;  these  Professors  have  sworn  to  sustain  it. 
I  do  not  go  in  for  half-way  things  at  all.  I  go  for  Foreign 
Missions,  for  Home  Missions,  for  Education,  for  Publication, 
for  the  Seminary,  for  the  College,  and  for  Hope  College,  too. 
It  is  all  our  affair,  and  the  men  that  want  to  be  successful, 
blest,  and  happy  in  their  ministry  had  better  just  say,  we  will 
give  ourselves  up  to-day,  body  and  soul,  as  bought  by  the 
precious  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  be  consecrated  to  Him  in 
the  work  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America. 

Excuse  me  for  keeping  you  so  long,  but  I  wish  the  blessing 
of  God  may  go  with  you  all,  and  that  you  may  ever  esteem 
that  this  Seminary  is  more  blessed  than  it  ever  has  been,  and 
that  it  may  be  a  source  of  happiness  that  you  have  the  privilege 
to  pray  for  it,  and  give  to  it.  It  is  my  pleasant  duty  to  intro- 
duce the  young  Professor  of  our  Seminary.  It  so  happened  that 
in  my  early  ministry  his  father  was  sent  out  as  a  Missionary 
to  Egypt.  I  had  the  pleasure  of  joining  in  sending  him,  and 
now  it  is  a  great  joy  that  I  can  ask  his  son  to  lead  us  in  prayer. 


APPENDIX 


APPENDIX. 

NoTF.  I.     Page  48. 

The  facts  of  the  early  history,  and  the  relations  of  the  early  ecclesi- 
astical bodies  were  not  very  well  understood  in  1859,  when  the  first 
volume  of  Minutes  was  published.  The  said  publication  gave  the 
public,  for  the  first,  the  material  whereby  to  study  these  matters.  The 
Journal  of  the  Coetus  is  not  complete,  unless  we  distinguish  between 
the  Coetus,  1738-54,  and  the  original  American  Classis,  1754-71.  The 
Minutes  of  the  latter,  if  kept  in  a  volume,  have  nol;  yet  come  to  light. 
Possibly  the  American  Classis  kept  their  Minutes  on  loose  sheets, 
hoping  ultimately  to  enter  them  in  the  Journal  of  the  Coetus,  as  a 
proper  continuation  of  that  Journal,  but  this  was  never  done.  The  Con- 
ferentie  inserted  their  letters  in  said  volume.  The  Minutes  of  the 
original  .American  Classis  could  be  easily  re-constructed  from  the  Amster- 
dam Correspondence  and  the  pamphlets  of  the  period.  Probably  every 
important  fact  is  now  known.  The  first  volume  of  Minutes  should 
either  have  been  divided  into  two  or  more  volumes,  or  the  arrangement 
should  have  been  as  follows : — 

Title-page:  The  Acts  and  Proceedings  of  the  Early  Ecclesiastical 
Bodies  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  North  America, 
embracing: 

I.  The  Journal  of  the  Coetus,  1738-54. 

II.  Letters  of  an  Unorganized  Conference  of  Ministers,  1755-64. 

III.  Proceedings  of  the  Conferentie,  as  an  Organized  Body,  1765-67. 

IV.  Acts  and  Proceedings  of  the  Provisional  Meeting  of  Ministers 
and  Elders,  1771-1792. 

V.  Acts  and  Proceedings  of  the  (one)  Particular  Synod,  (after  the 
adoption  of  the  Constitution  in  1792);  J793-99.* 

Then  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Synod  should  have  been  begun  in 
another  volume,  and  Volume  I.  should  have  extended  from  I794t-i826. 
In  1826  a  very  elaborate  Index  was  printed  in  pamphlet  form  of  the 
printed  extracts  of  the  Minutes  of  1797-1812  (triennial  sessions),  and  of 
the  yearly  sessions  in  full  from  1813-26. 

•  The  last  Minutes  in  the  printed  Volume  of  the  original  Particular  Synod  are  those 
of  May,  1799.  There  was  another  session  of  this  Body  in  October,  1799,  but  the 
Minutes  were  never  transcribed  in  the  Book  of  Minutes,  and  hence  were  overlooked. 
The  original  Minutes  of  this  session  are  in  the  Archives. 

t  Only  extracts  of  the  Minutes  of  1797  are  given  in  the  printed  Volume.  These 
extracts  were  printed  at  that  date.  The  Minutes  of  the  session  were  lost  for  many 
years.     They  are  now  in  the  Archives. 


288  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Note  2.     Page  53. 

Constitutional  Qualifications  for  the  Ministry 

article  ii. 

Of  Ministers  of  the    Word. 

Sec.  I.  No  person  shall  be  allowed  to  exercise  the  office  of  a  Minister 
without  being  thereinto  regularly  inducted,  according  to  the  Word  of 
God,  and  the  order  established  hy  the  Church. 

Sec.  2.  Every  person  contemplating  the  work  of  the  Ministry,  before 
he  commences  his  courseof  theological  studies,  shall  furnish  satisfactory 
evidence  of  his  being  a  member,  in  full  communion  and  in  good  stand- 
ing, of  a  Reformed  Protestant  Church  ;  of  his  piety,  abilities  and  literary 
attainments  ;  and  thereupon  shall  be  admitted  into  one  of  the  Theological 
Schools  ;  and,  during  the  prosecution  of  his  studies  there,  shall  be  sub- 
ject to  the  rules  and  regulations  thereof;  and  when  he  shall  have  com- 
pleted the  prescribed  course  and  term  of  theological  studies,  shall  be 
admitted  to  an  examination  according  to  the  regulations  of  the  Schools, 
as  established  by  the  General  Synod  ;  and,  if  found  qualified,  shall  receive 
a  professorial  certificate  to  that  effect,  which  shall  entitle  him  to  an 
examination  for  licensure  before  the  Classis  to  which  he  belongs. 

Sec.  3.  In  the  examination  strict  attention  shall  be  paid  to  the  attain- 
ments of  the  student,  not  only  in  the  original  languages  of  the  Sacred 
Scriptures,  in  Biblical  Literature,  in  composition,  and  his  method  of 
sermonizing,  but  he  shall  be  especially  examined  respecting  his  know- 
ledge in  Theology,  his  orthodoxy,  his  piety,  and  his  views  in  desiring  to 
become  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel. 

Sec.  6.  Any  person  of  whose  gifts,  piety  and  promise  of  usefulness  the 
Classis  is  satisfied,  may  be  recommended  by  the  same  to  the  General 
Synod  for  a  dispensation  from  any  of  the  above  requirements  as  to 
study.  Such  recommendation  shall  always  be  accompanied  by  a  full 
statement  of  the  reasons  for  the  same.  And  no  dispensation  shall  in 
any  case  be  granted  except  by  the  General  Synod,  and  on  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  Classis. 

Note  3.    Page  53. 

History  of  the  Constitutional  Legislation  of  the  Reformed 
Church  Concerning  Professors  of  Theology. 

The  Synod  of  Dort  enacted  very  little  on  this  subject.  In  the  articles 
of  Church  Order  occur  only  the  following: — 

article  XVIII. 

"  The  office  of  the  Teachers  or  Professors  of  Theology  is  to  explain  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  and  vindicate  the  pure  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  against 
heresy  and  error." 


APPENDIX.  289 

ARTICLE   XIX. 

"The  congregations  shall  endeavor  to  raise  public  funds  for  the  sup- 
port of  Students  in  Theology y 

ARTICLE  XX. 

"  In  churches  where  a  number  of  able  Ministers  are  settled,  the  prac- 
tice of  discussing  Theological  theses  shall  be  instituted,  that  by  such 
exercises  some  may  be  prepared  for  the  ministry;  pursuing,  however, 
therein,  the  special  appointment  and  order  of  the  General  Synod." 

In  Holland,  at  least  at  that  time,  a  Professor  was  not  necessarily 
chosen  from  the  Ministry.     See  Art.  III. 

In  the  Articles  of  Union,  1771,  we  find  the  following : — 

ARTICLE  20. — Preparatory  atid  Final  Examination. 

For  this  Body,  we,  with  the  approbation  of  the  Reverend  Synod  of 
North  Holland  and  the  Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  accept  the  long 
desired  liberty  to  conduct  Preparatory  and  Final  Examinations,  and 
further  to  qualify  those  who  are  lawfully  called,  agreeably  to  the  usage 
in  the  Netherlands.  The  names  of  those  examined  and  ordained, 
together  with  those  of  the  newly-called  and  transferred  Ministers,  shall 
be  inserted  in  our  yearly  Acts,  and  transmitted  to  the  Reverend  Classis, 
with  the  request  that  the  same  be  carefully  registered  in  the  catalogue 
of  North  American  Ministers  of  both  Provmces. 

ARTICLE  28. — Professorate. 

Respecting  the  Professorate,  the  advice  of  the  Reverend  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  shall  be  followed,  to  wit  :  That  we  will  only  provisionally 
choose  one  or  two  Professors  to  teach  Didactic.  Polemic,  Exegetic 
Theology,  &c.,  in  accordance  with  the  principles  of  the  doctrine  of  our 
Dutch  Reformed  Churches  ;  for  which  office,  we  will,  in  accordance  with 
the  judgment  of  the  Reverend  Classis,  on  favorable  terms,  select  such 
Divines  from  the  Netherlands  as  are  of  approved  learning,  piety,  and 
orthodoxy,  and  firmly  attached  to  the  Netherlands'  Standards;  the  said 
Classis  having  promised  to  recommend  some  suitable  persons.    _, 

ARTICLE  29. — More  Specific  Determination  thereof. 

The  said  Professor  or  Professors,  as  soon  as  the  desired  Union  is 
effected  and  finally  ratified,  shall,  though  not  without  the  approval  of 
the  General  Body,  be  chosen  and  called,  upon  a  sufficient  salary;  pro- 
vided, however,  that  such  Professor  or  Professors  shall  not  be  allied 
with  English  Academies,  but  shall  deliver  lectures  on  Theology  in  their 
own  houses,  to  such  students  only  as  can,  by  suitable  testimonials,  make 
it  appear  that  they  have  carefully  e.xercised  themselves  in  the  prepara- 
tory branches  for  two  or  three  years,  at  a  college  or  academy  or  gymna- 
sium, under  the  supervision  of  competent  teachers  in  the  languages, 
r.) 


390  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

philosophy,  etc.  Such  Professor  shall  also  preach  monthly,  or  fort- 
nightly, in  the  Dutch  or  English,  both  for  the  assistance  of  the  Ministers 
in  the  place  of  his  abode,  and  also  to  afford  the  students  an  example  of 
a  well-composed  discourse;  in  consequence  of  which,  the  Reverend 
Professor  shall  be  subject  to  the  General  and  Particular  Bodies,  in  the 
same  manner  as  has  been  already  more  fully  stated  respecting  Ministers- 

ARTICLE  30. — Provisional  Exception. 
Since,  however,  according  to  the  limitation  made  by  the  Reverend 
Classis,  we  cannot  expect  for  a  considerable  time  to  come  to  reap  the 
benefit  of  said  Professorship,  we  are  of  opinion  that,  as  there  are  already 
a  number  of  students  under  various  Ministers  who  might  possibly  be 
shortly  qualified  for  the  Preparatory  Examination,  those  students  ought, 
on  account  of  the  pressing  need  of  the  Churches,  to  be  provisionally 
examined  in  our  next  General  Assembly. 

Ordinaiio)is  which  have  taken  place. 
Since,  in  the  midst  of  the  difficulties  which  have  occurred,  some  per- 
sons have  been  promoted  to  the  Sacred  Ministry  whose  examination 
and  promotion  are  by  some  of  the  brethren  regarded  as  insufficient ;  for 
the  sake  of  peace,  and  rather  than  that  the  desired  Union  should  not  be 
consummated,  those  brethren  agree,  that  every  one  whom  the  Reverend 
Coetus  regard  as  an  ordained  Minister,  shall  be  looked  upon  as  such, 
and  in  that  character  have  a  seat  in  our  body,  not  doubting  that  the 
Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam  will  approve  of  such  course. 

The  Following  Arrangement  shows  the  Constitutional  Legis- 
lation ON  THIS  Subject  in  America  at  the  Different  Periods  : 

Explanatory  Articles,  1792.       constitutions  of  1833  and  1874. 
Professors  of  Theology, 

article    XIX. 

The  distinction  between  the  first 
and  second  office  in  the  Church, 
that  is,  between  the  Ministers  of 
the  Word  and  Teachers  of  Theolo- 
gy, is  founded  in  the  nature  of  the  Nothing  corresponding  to  the 
respective  offices.  The  former  are  Constitution  of  1792. 
those,  who  by  preaching  and  ruling, 
instruct  and  govern  the  Church  ; 
and  are,  as  such,  denominated  pas- 
tors or  shepherds  of  the  flock  :  the 
latter  are,  those  who  are  set  apart 
only  to  teach  and  defend  the  truths 
of  the  Gospel,  and  for  that  reason, 
are  excused  from  fultilling  the  pas- 


APPENDIX. 


291 


Explanatory  Articles,  1792. 

toral  duties.  This  distinction  was 
noted  in  theearlyagesof  the  Christ- 
ian Church.* 

It  was  attended  to  at  the  Refor- 
mation, and  was  productive  of  im- 
portant benefits,  especially  with 
respect  to  the  education  of  candi- 
dates for  the  holy  Ministry.  The 
Reformed  Dutch  Church  perse- 
veres in  preserving  the  same  dis- 
tinction, and  determines  that  the 
instructing  and  preparing  youth  for 
the  service  of  the  sanctuary,  shall 
not  be  left  indiscriminately  to  every 
Minister,  or  any  individual  who 
may  choose  to  assume  that  office. 


Constitution  oi'  1874. 


ARTICLE  xxi.t 

As  it  is  of  the  last  importance 
that  Professors  of  Theology  should 


*  Pastor es  ac  dociores.  Assentior  Am- 
brosio,  qui  hsee  quoque  munera  distin- 
guit ;  nam  ratio  parum  firma  est  quae 
Hieronymum,  et  Augustinum  movit  ut 
confunderent,  nempe,  quia  copula  dun- 
taxat  est  interjecta.  Fateor  tamen  Doc- 
torum  nomen  late  patere,  ut  I  Cor.  xii. 
Sed  tamen  apparet  aliquod  fuisse  dis- 
crimen,  quod  in  isto  Compendio  videtur 
vix  locus  esse  synonymis.  Doctoris 
igitur,  munis  fuit  verbum  Domini  fideli- 
ter  explicare,  et  veluti  Scholam  ecclesi- 
asticam  regere,  ut  sincera  doctrina  dog- 
matum.et  vers  interpretationes  in  ecclesia 
retinerentur,  sicut  docuit  Alexandrine 
Origines,  ut  explicatur  Niceph.  lib. 
Eccles.  hist.  v.  Cap  14.  At  Pastorum 
(qui  et  Episcopi  dicebantur,  ut  i  Pet.  iii.) 
munus  longe  latius  patebat,  nimirum 
verbo  et  oratione  vacare,  et  Ecclesiam 
sibi  commissam  modis  omnibus  tueri :  Ex 
quibus  etiam  satis  perspicitur  haec  duo 
munera  perpetua  esse  oportere  in  Ecclesia 
Dei.     Beza  in  Eps.  ad  Ephes.  vi.  II. 


ARTICLE   III. 

Of  Teachers  of  Theology. 
Sec.  I.  As  it  is  oi\.\v^ greatest  im- 
portance that  Professors  of  The- 
ology should  be  sound  in  the  faith, 
possess  abilities  to  teach,  and  have 


f  The  Constitution  of  1833,  Article  II., 
\  I,  corresponds  exactly  to  this  Article 
XXI. 


292 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


Explanatory  Articles,  1792. 

be  sound  in  the  faith,  possess  abili- 
ties to  teach,  and  have  the  confi- 
dence of  the  Churches,  they  shall 
always,  for  the  greater  security,  be 
chosen  and  appointed  by  a  majority 
of  votes  in  the  General  Synod  only. 
To  prevent  as  far  as  possible  the 
unhappy  consequences  of  partiality, 
haste,  or  undue  influence  in  ob- 
taining an  office  of  such  conse- 
quence to  the  Church,  a  nomination 
of  one  or  more  candidates  shall  be 
previously  made,  upon  which  the 
Synod  shall  fix  a  day  when  they 
will  proceed  to  an  election  ;  pro- 
vided that  no  appointment  of  a 
Professor  in  Theology  shall  ever 
be  made  on  the  same  day  in  which 
he  is  nominated.  An  instrument 
certifying  the  appointment,  and 
specifying  the  duties  of  the  office, 
shall  be  signed  in  the  presence  of 
the  General  Synod,  by  the  Presi- 
dent thereof,  and  by  him  be  given, 
in  the  name  of  the  Church,  to  the 
person  elected. 


ARTICLE  XXIV. 

Every  Professor  of  Theology 
shall  continue  in  his  office  during 
life,  unless  in  case  of  such  misbe- 
havior as  shall  be  deemed  a  viola- 
tion of  the  obligations  entered  mto 
at  his  appointment;  or  unless  he 
voluntarily  deserts  or  resigns  his 
profession  ;  or  from  age  or  infirmi- 
ties becomes  incapable  of  fulfilling 
the  duties  thereof ;  of  all  which  the 
General  Synod  alone  shall  judge : 
and  to  that  Synod  a  Professor  of 
Theology  shall  always  be  amenable 
for  his  doctrine,  mode  of  teaching, 
and  moral  conduct. 


Constitution  of  1874. 

the  confidence  of  the  Churches^ 
they  shall  always,  for  the  greater 
security,  be  chosen  and  appointed 
by  a  vote  of  three-fourths  of  the  mem- 
bers present  in  the  General  Synod. 
To  prevent,  as  far  as  possible,  the 
unhappy  consequences  of  partial- 
ity, haste,  or  undue  influence  in 
obtaining  an  office  of  such  conse- 
quence to  the  Church,  a  nomination 
of  one  or  more  candidates  shall  be 
previously  made,  upon  which  the 
Synod  shall  fix  a  day  when  they 
will  proceed  to  an  election  ;  pro- 
vided that  no  appointment  of  a  Pro- 
fessor of  Theology  shall  ever  be 
made  on  the  same  day  on  which 
he  is  nominated  ;  and  provided  alsa 
that  710  07ie  nominated  shall  be  set 
aside,  except  by  the  regular  process  of 
balloting  for  an  electioji.  An  instru- 
ment, certifying  the  appointment, 
and  specifying  the  general  duties 
of  the  office,  shall  be  signed  in  the 
presence  of  the  General  Synod,  by 
the  President  thereof,  and  by  him 
be  given,  in  the  name  of  the 
Church,  to  the  person  elected. 

Sec.  2.  No  person  shall  be  ap- 
pointed to  the  office  of  a  Professor 
who  is  not  a  Minister  in  good  stand- 
ing ;  and  every  Professor  of  The- 
ology shall  continue  in  his  office 
during  life,  unless  in  case  of  such 
misbehavior  as  shall  be  deemed  a 
violation  of  the  obligations  entered 
into  at  his  appointment ;  or  unless 
he  voluntarily  deserts  or  resigns  his 
profession  ;  or  from  age  or  infirmi- 
ties becomes  incapable  of  fulfilling 
the  duties  thereof ;  of  all  which  the 
General  Synod  alone  shall  judge, 
and  to  that  Synod  a  Professor  of 
Theology  shall  always  be  amenable 
for  his  doctrine,  mode  of  teaching, 
and  moral  conduct. 


APPENDIX.  293 

Explanatory  Articles,  1792.  Constitutions  of  1833  and  1874. 
article  xxii. 

No  Professor  of  Theology  shall  be  permitted  to  officiate  until  he 
shall  have  subscribed  the  following  formula,  viz :  "  We,  the  under- 
written, in  bccomifig*-  Professors  of  Sacred  Theology  in  the  Reformed 
(Dutch)  Church,  by  this  our  subscription,  uprightly,  and  in  good  con- 
science before  God,  declare  that  we  heartily  believe,  and  are  persuaded, 
that  all  the  articles,  and  points  of  doctrine,  contained  in  the  Confession 
and  Catechism  of  the  Reformed  (Dutch)  Church,  together  with  the  ex- 
planation of  some  points  of  the  said  doctrine,  made  in  the  National 
Synod,  held  at  Dordrecht,  in  the  year  1619,  do  fully  agree  with  the  Word 
of  God.  We  promise,  therefore,  that  we  will  diligently  teach,  and  faith- 
fully defend,  the  aforesaid  doctrine  ;  and  that  we  will  not  inculcate  or 
write,  either  publicly  or  privately,  directly  or  indirectly,  anything  against 
the  same.  As,  also,  that  we  reject  not  only  all  the  errors  which  militate 
against  this  doctrine,  and  particularly  those  which  are  condemned  in  the 
above-mentioned  Synod,  but  that  we  are  disposed  to  refute  the  same, 
openly  to  oppose  them,  and  to  exert  ourselves  in  keeping  the  Church 
pure  from  such  errors.  Should  it  nevertheless  hereafter  happen  that 
any  objections  against  the  doctrine  might  arise  in  our  minds,  or  we 
entertain  different  sentiments,  we  promise  that  we  will  not,  either  pub- 
licly or  privately,  propose,  teach,  or  defend,  the  same,  by  preaching  or 
writing,  until  we  have  first  fully  revealed  such  sentiments  to  the  General 
Synod,  to  whom  we  are  responsible  ;  that  our  opinions  may,  in  the  said 
General  Synod,  receive  a  thorough  examination  being  ready  always 
cheerfully  to  submit  to  the  judgment  of  the  General  Synod,  under  the 
penalty,  in  case  of  refusal,  to  be  censured  by  the  said  Synod.  And  when- 
ever the  General  Synod,  upon  sufficient  grounds  of  suspicion,  and  to 
preserve  the  uniformity  and  purity  of  doctrines,  may  deem  it  proper  to 
demand  from  us  a  more  particular  explanation  of  our  sentiments  respect- 
mg  any  article  of  the  aforesaid  Confession,  Catechism,  or  Explanation 
of  the  National  Synod,  we  promise  hereby  to  be  always  willing  and 
ready  to  comply  with  such  demand,  under  the  penalty  before  mentioned  ; 
reserving  to  ourselves  the  right  of  rehearing,  or  a  new  trial,  if  we  shall 
conceive  ourselves  aggrieved  in  the  sentence  of  the  General  Synod ; 
during  the  dependence  of  suc/i\  new  trial,  we  promise  to  acquiesce  in  the 
judgment  already  passed,  as  well  as  finally  to  submit,  without  disturb- 
ing the  peace  of  the  churches,  to  the  ultimate  decision  of  the  said  Gen- 
eral Synod." 


•  The  words  "  in  becoming^'  were  incorporated  for  the  first  in  the  Constitution  of 
1874. 

tThe  Constitutions  of  1792  and  1833  read  "  which.^' 


294 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


Explanatory  Articles,  1792.        Constitution  of  1833  and  1874. 
article  xxiii. 

As  no  student  can  be  admitted 
to  a  public  examination  before  any 
Classis  or  Synod,  unless  he  shall 
produce  a  document  under  the  hand 
and  seal  of  a  Professor  of  Theology, 
appointed  by  the  General  Synod 
(see  Expl.  Art.  3),  so  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  every  Professor,  after  re- 
peated private  examinations,  faith- 
fully, and  impartially,  to  certify  the 
progress  and  attainments  of  every 
student,  who  has  attended  the  lec- 
tures of  the  said  Professor  for  two 
years,  or  may  have  studied  the  same 
term,  under  some  person  for  that 
purpose  expressly  named  by  the 
General  Synod,  and  who  shall  apply 
to  such  Professor  for  a  certificate 
and  recommendation.  All  regula- 
tions respecting  any  further  term 
for  study,  or  any  particular  dispen- 
sation,* which  peculiar  circumstan- 
ces may  render  necessary  in  the 
case  of  any  students  in  Theology, 
shall  be  formed  by  the  General 
Synod  alone  ;  to  which,  as  well  the 
Professors  as  the  Classes  or  Parti- 
cular Synods,  shall  submit,  and 
always  conform  themselves. 


*  Compare  Constitution,  1874,  Art,  ii.^ 
§  6.  The  Constitution  of  i8jj  has  no- 
thing about  Dispensations 


ARTICLE  XX. 

Professors  of  Theology,  have,  as 
such,  no  power,  jurisdiction  or  gov- 
ernment whatever  in  the  Church; 
but  as  they  are  Ministers  who 
preach  occasionally,  they  are  en- 
titled, when  they  stand  in  connec- 
tion with  any  congregation,  equally 
with  other  Ministers,  to  administer 
the  sacraments,  and  to  a  seat  and 
voice  in  ecclesiastical  Assemblies. 

*Co7npare  Constitutions  of  16/g,  Art. 

via.;  i'}()2,  a. 


Sec.  4.  No  Professor,  while  in 
office,  shall  have  the  pastoral 
charge  of  any  congregation,  or  sz't 
as*  a  member  of  any  Ecclesiastical 
assembly  or  judicatory;  but  as  a 
Minister  of  the  Gospel,  may  preach,, 
and  administer,  or  assist  in  admin- 
istering the  Sacraments  in  any  con- 
gregation, with  the  consent  of  the 
Minister  or  Consistory. 


*  Constitution  of  1883  has  "  be. 


ArPEXDIX. 


295 


Explanatory  Artxles, 
1792. 


Constitutions  of 
1833- 
Sec.  5.  A  Professor 
shall  be  at  liberty  to 
resign  his  office,  by 
sending  z'n  his  resigna- 
tion  to  the  President  of 
General  Synod,  on  the 
first  day  of  any  regular 
meeting  and  giving  six 
months'  previous  no- 
tice to  the  said  Presi- 
dent of  his  intention 
to  do  so. 


1874. 

Sec.  5.  A  Professor 
shall  not  be  at  liberty 
to  resign  his  office 
without  the  consent  of 
the  General  Synod,  ex- 
cept upon  giving  three 
months'  previous  no- 
tice to  the  President 
of  that  body,  of  his  in- 
tention so  to  do. 


ARTICLE   XXV. 

The  General  Synod  will  endeavor 
to  procure  and  preserve  a  proper 
fund  for  the  support  of  the  Profes- 
sorship of  Theology  ;  that  the  per- 
sons set  apart  for  that  office,  may 
not  be  dependent  upon  any  particu- 
lar congregation,  while  they  are 
employed  for  the  common  benefit 
of  all  the  churches.* 


1833  AND  1874. 

Sec  6.  A  Professor  of  Theology 
being  amenable  only  to  the  General 
Synod,  shall,  when  entering  on  the 
discharge  of  his  duties,  take  a  dis- 
missal from  the  judicatory  with 
which  he  is  connected  ;  and  on  re- 
tiring from  office  shall  be  dismissed 
to  such  Ecclesiastical  judicatory  as 
he  may  elect. 


Note  4.    Page  54. 
The  Early  Ordinations. 

I.  The  first  Dutch  ordination  in  America  was  that  of  Petrus  Tes- 
schenmaker.  Having  studied  Theology  at  Utrecht,  he  came  to  this 
country  as  a  Candidate  (Licentiate),  and  preached  for  the  churchjat 
Kingston,  N.  Y.,  as  early  as  1676.  At  that  time  there  were  only  three 
Dutch  ministers  in  the  country,  and  the  people  of  Kingston  petitioned 

•  See  Article  xix.  above. 


296  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Gov.  Androsto  find  means  to  procure  the  ordination  of  Mr.  T.  But  for 
some  reason  nothing  came  of  this.  He  then  went  to  Guiana,  and  after- 
wards appeared  at  New  Amstel,  on  the  Delaware.  The  people  there,  on 
account  of  their  distance  from  New  Amsterdam,  could  rarely  have  the 
sacraments  administered,  and  they  therefore  petitioned  the  Dutch  min- 
isters to  organize  themselves  into  a  Classis,  and  ordain  Mr.  T.  as  their 
pastor.  Authorized  by  the  Governor,  the  four  ministers.  Van  Nieu- 
wenhuysen,  Schaats,  Van  Gaasbeck,  and  Van  Zuuren.  organized  them- 
selves into  a  Classis,  and,  on  the  30th  of  Sept.,  1679,  ordained  and 
installed  Mr.  T.  as  pastor  of  the  Church  at  New  Amstel.  Their  act  was 
ratified  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  He  afterwards  preached  at 
Staten  Island,  Bergen  and  Hackensack,  and  finally  settled  at  Schenec- 
tady, where  he  perished  in  the  massacre  by  the  Indians  in  1690. 

2.  Paulus  Van  Vleck,  who  had  been  schoolmaster  and  voorleser  at 
Kinderhook,  was  at  the  Governor's  request  ordained  in  17 10,  by  Rev. 
Bernardus  Freeman,  as  a  chaplain  of  the  Dutch  troops  going  to  Canada 
The  Classis  disapproved  of  this  act. 

3.  John  Van  Driessen,  whom  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  had  refused 
to  examine,  because  he  came  with  forged  credentials,  came  to  this 
country  and  succeeded,  in  1727,  in  obtaining  ordination  from  a  Congre- 
gational Council  at  New  Haven,  to  perform  service  in  the  manors  of 
Livingston  and  Rensselaer.     He  was  finally  deposed  from  the  ministry. 

4.  John  Boehm,  a  schoolmaster  from  the  Palatinate,  settled  16  miles 
west  of  Philadelphia,  and  so  succeeded  in  giving  the  people  religious  in- 
struction that  they  desired  him  to  be  their  minister,  and  by  direction  of 
the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  he  was  ordained  in  1729  by  Rev.  Messrs. 
Boel  and  Du  Bois,  of  New  York,  and  all  the  ecclesiastical  acts  he  had 
previously  done  were  confirmed  by  the  Classis.  He  was  the  first  Ger- 
man Reformed  minister  in  America.  The  Mercersberg  Review,  of  Oct., 
1876,  contains  a  translation  of  all  the  documents  connected  with  his  or- 
dination, which  translation  was  made  by  Rev.  Dr.  T.  W.  Chambers 
from  the  minutes  of  the  Collegiate  Church. 

5.  Joannes  Schuyler  was  in  1736  ordained  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Erick- 
zoon  and  Haeghoort,  by  special  permission  of  the  Classis  of  Am- 
sterdam. 

6.  Joannes  Henricus  Goetschius  came  from  Switzerland  as  a  Candi- 
date, and  preached  to  the  German  settlements  between  Philadelphia 
and  Harrisburg  several  years.  He  then  received  ordination  for  the  sake 
of  convenience,  from  the  Presbyterian  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  in   1737. 

7.  His  son,  John  Henry  Goetschius,  was  ordained  by  Rev.  Messrs. 
Dorstius  and  Frelinghuysen,  in  1737.  But  the  validity  of  his  ordination 
being  questioned,  he,  after  a  ministry  of  10  years,  submitted  to  re-exam- 
ination and  re-ordination  by  the  Coetus. 

8.  Johannes  Casparus  Fryenmoet,  from  Switzerland,  was  ordained  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Mancius  in  1737,  as  pastor  of  the  Churches  on  the  Delaware. 


APPENDIX. 


297 


Fault  was  found  with  this  manifest  irregularity,  and  so  Mancius  was  di- 
rected by  the  Classis  to  re-ordain  him  according  to  the  Church  Order 
which  was  accordingly  done  in  1744. 


Note  5.     Page  54. 
Students  who  went  from  America  to  be  Ordained  in  Holland. 


Samuel  Megapolensis, 

Guilliaume   Bertholf, 
Theodorus  Frelinghuysen, 
John  Frelinghuysen, 
Ferdinandus  P'relinghuysen 
Jacobus  Frelinghuysen, 

Thomas  Romeyn, 
Barent  Vrooman, 
Johannes  Schunema, 

William  Jackson, 

Johannes  M.  Van  Harlingen, 
John  H.  Livingston, 


STUDIED    UNDER. 

S  Univ.  Utrecht, 
)  Harvard  College, 

J.  H.  Goetschius, 

Univ.  Utrecht, 
J.  H.  Goetschius, 
j  J.  H.  Goetschius, 
\  T.  Frelinghuysen, 
\  C.  Van  Santvoord 
\  T.  Frelinghuysen, 
)  T.  Frelinghuysen, 
I  J.  H.  Goetchius, 
\  ].  Frelinghuysen, 
\  J.  H.  Goetschius, 
Univ.  in  Holland, 
Univ.  Utrecht, 


ORDAINED. 

[   CI.  Amsterdam, 

Cl.Middleburgh 
CI.  Amsterdam, 
CI.  Amsterdam, 
CI.  Amsterdam, 
CI.  Amsterdam, 


CI.  Amsterdam, 

CI.  Amsterdam, 
CI.  Amsterdam, 


Students  Ordained  by  the  Coetus. 


NAMES. 

Benjamin  Vanderlinde, 

John  Leydt, 

John  Henry  Goetschius, 

Samuel  Verbryck, 

David  Marinus, 


STUDIED   UNDER. 

Dorstius  and  Goetschius, 
Frelinghuysen  and  Goetschius, 
Dorstius  &  Rev.  T.  J.  Frelinghuysen, 
3  Leydt,    Goetschius,   Vanderlinde  / 
\  and  T.  Frelinghuysen,  f 

In  Pennsylvania, 


Students  Ordained  by  the  American  Classis. 


Henricus  Frelinghuysen, 
John  M.  Goetschius, 
Jacob  R.  Hardenbergh, 

Barcolo, 

Jacobus  Van  Nist, 
Henricus  Schoonmaker, 
Benjamin  Du  Bois,  . 
Martinus  Schoonmaker, 
Theodoric  Romeyn, 


Dorstius  and  Goetschius, 
Rev.  J.  H.  Goetschius, 
lohn  Frelinghuysen, 


J.  H.  GoetschiuSr 

J.  H.  Goetschius, 

Marinus, 

J.  H.  Goetschius, 


1659 
1693 

1745 
1750 
1752 
1752 


-  CI.  Amsterdam,      1752 


t  CI.  Amsterdam,      1752 


CI.  Amsterdam,      1753 


1757 

1761 
1769 


DATE. 
1748 
1748 
1748 

1749 
1752 


1754 
1754 
1758 
1758 
1758 
1763 
1764 
1765 
1766 


298  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Student  Ordained  by  the  Conferentie. 

NAMES.  STUDIED   UNDER.  DATE. 

Gerrit  Lydekker,        .        .         Ritzema,  Kails,  J.  H.  Goetschius,        1765 

Students  Ordained  by  The  General  Meeting. 

Stephen  Van  Voorhis, 1772 

Elias  Van   Bunschooten,           Meyer, 1773 

Rynier  Van  Nest,            .        .     Hardenbergh,           ....  1773 

Solomon  Froeligh,     .        .         D.  Romeyn,  J.  H.  Goetschius,    .  1774 

Stenhen  Goetschius  H'    H.   Goetschius.     Livingston,) 

Stephen  Lroetscnius.       .  -j  Westerlo,  Verbryck,  \      '"75 

Peter  De  Witt,  .         .         Livingston, 1778 

Mathew  Leydt,       .        .        .     Livingston, 1778 

Nicholas  Lansing,      .        .         Westerlo 1780 

Isaac  Blauvelt,        .  .        .     Hardenbergh,           ....  1780 

Simeon  Van  Arsdale,  .         Livingston,            ....  1782 

Theodore  F.  Romeyn,  .     Livingston, 1783 

John  Duryee,      .         .  .         Livingston,            ....  1784 

Timothy  Blauvelt,        .         ,     Livingston 1784 

Note  6.    Page  55. 

Fundamental  Articles  for  the  Ecclesiastical  Coetus  of  the 
Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

[Revised  Translation.] 

1.  It  shall  consist  of  the  minister  and  one  elder  from  every  congrega- 
tion, with  written  credentials  presented  once  for  all.  Where  there  are 
two  ministers,  both  of  them,  with  two  elders,  shall  be  members  ;  where 
there  is  only  one  minister,  but  one  elder  shall  be  allowed. 

2.  An  elder  appearing  in  the  Coetus  from  a  congregation  which  has 
preaching  not  from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath,  but  only  occasionally  during 
the  week,  shall  have  only  an  advisory  voice.  But  an  elder  from  a  con- 
gregation which  has  had  a  regular  pastor,  and  is  endeavoring  to  procure 
another,  shall  have  a  decisive  vote.  All  combined  congregations  shall 
be  reckoned  as  only  one. 

3.  Only  ministers  regularly  qualified,  and  called  according  to  the 
Dutch  Reformed  Church,  shall  be  acknowledged  as  members  of  the 
Coetus. 

4.  None  but  ecclesiastical  matters,  and  those  in  an  ecclesiastical  way 
— according  to  the  Word  of  God  and  the  Standards — shall  be  taken  up 
and  decided  in  the  Coetus ;  and  always  in  subordination  to  the  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  according  to  Articles  30  and  31  of  the  Church  Orders. 

5.  No  matters  of  dispute  shall  be  taken  up  in  the  Coetus,  unless  they 
have  been  regularly  presented  to  it,  according  to  the  rules  of  the  Synod 
of  Dort,  for  the  removal  of  disputes  about  doctrine  and  life,  for  the  fur- 


APPENDIX.  299 

thering  and  maintaining  of  mutual  peace,  union,  and  the  general   edifi- 
cation of  the  congregations. 

6.  Whoever  feels  himself  aggrieved  by  the  proceedings  of  the  Coetus 
shall  have  the  right  of  appeal  to  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  In 
cases  of  importance,  the  advice  of  the  Classis  shall  always  be  sought  in 
accordance  with  Articles  76  and  79.  And  they  who  appeal  to  the  Rev. 
Classis,  or  for  whom  the  Coetus  asks  the  advice  and  judgment  of  the 
Rev.  Classis,  shall  (in  like  manner  with  the  Coetus  itself)  submit  to  the 
advice  and  judgment,  according  to  the  Church  Orders. 

7.  Each  congregation  shall  maintain  its  own  freedom  in  the  manage- 
ment of  its  affairs,  according  to  the  Constitution  of  our  Church  as  es- 
tablished in  the  Synod  of  Dort.  But,  for  the  greater  advantage  of  the 
congregations,  those  which  belong  to  the  Coetus  shall,  according  to  our 
Church  Orders,  be  divided  into  suitable  Circles ;  so  that,  where  cases 
occur  which  cannot  be  determined  by  particular  congregations,  and  do 
not  admit  of  delay,  they  may,  on  request,  be  settled  peaceably  by  the 
neighboring  ministers  of  that  Circle.  But  if  this  fails,  then  they  shall 
bring  the  case  before  the  Coetus. 

8.  No  minister  or  Consistory  shall  allow  any  one  to  preach  before 
their  congregation,  without  satisfactory  evidence  that  he  has  been  law- 
fully ordained  to  the  ministry  in  the  Reformed  Church.  Nor  shall  a 
Dutch  Consistory  which  has  no  pastor  allow  any  minister  or  candidate 
to  preach  until  he  shall  have  submitted  his  credentials  to  two  neighbor- 
ing ministers. 

9.  As  to  calls,  whether  sent  to  Holland  or  to  some  particular  congre- 
gation in  these  provinces,  they  shall  be  proceeded  with  according  to  the 
Church  Orders  ;  and  where  there  is  no  minister,  two  Advisers  shall  be 
consulted.  Henceforth,  it  shall  be  expressly  stipulated  in  all  calls  that 
the  minister  shall  belong  to  the  Coetus,  and  be  acknowledged  as  a  mem- 
ber on  the  ground  of  his  call,  and  shall  be  subject  to  it ;  and  those  con- 
gregations which  have  calls  outstanding,  are  hereby  bound  to  urge 
their  ministers,  when  they  arrive,  to  do  the  same. 

10.  Every  year  a  general  letter,  after  having  been  read  to  and  approved 
by  the  Coetus,  shall  be  sent  in  the  name  of  the  congregations  to  the  Rev. 
Classis,  to  make  known  to  it,  in  a  succint  statement,  the  ecclesiastical 
condition  of  the  congregations  in  these  provinces.  Thus  shall  a  broth- 
erly correspondence  be  maintained  with  the  Classis.  according  to  the 
constitution  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  Orders.  And  for  the 
greater  unity  with  the  Church  of  our  fatherland,  we  will  request  the 
Rev.  Classis  to  send  us  from  year  to  year  copies  of  the  Acta  Synodi,  in 
order  to  regulate  thereby  our  ecclesiastical  matters,  for  the  profit  and 
edification  of  the  congregations. 

11.  Thus  the  congregations  have  deliberated,  and  by  their  delegates 
(to  whom  they  gave  full  power  to  consult  with  each  other,  and  to  con- 
sider and  decide),  have  determined  to  hold  a  Coetus  once  a  year  at  New 


300  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

York,  or  at  some  other   place  to  be  fixed  by  itself,  on  the   first  Monday 
of  September. 

Approved  and  ratified  with  our  hands,  this  27th  of  April,  1738,  in  the 
Consistory  Chamber  at  New  York. 

Ministers.  Elders. 

Gualterus  DuBois,  Antony  Rutgers  \  c      xr  v     ^ 

Bernardus  Freeman,  Abraham  Leffers  p°''  ^-  ^o^*^- 

Cornelius  Van  Santvoort,  Pieter    Nevius      \  -,  -c  \      a 

T.  J.  Frilinghuizen  Dirk  Brinkerhof  (  ^°"^  l^yland. 

Reinhard  Erigson,  Goosse  Adriaansse,  Staten  Eyland. 

A.  Curtenius,  H.  Fisscher,  Raretans. 

J.  Bohm,  J.  Zutveen,  Nauwesinks. 

G.  Haeghoort,  Saboriski,  Hakkinzak. 

J.  Schiller,  Ryts  Snyder,  Philadelphia. 

F.  Van  Dyk,  Second  Biver. 
J.  Spies,  Schoogharie. 

Note  7.    Page  58. 
Action  in  Regard  to  a  Classis. 

[Revised  Translation.] 

This  action  was  read,  and  having  been  again  unanimously  approved,  it 
■was  ordered  to  be  signed  by  the  President  and  Clerk,  which  was  then 
done.     It  is  as  follows  : 

The  Coetus,  taking  very  seriously  to  heart  the  welfare  and  extension 
of  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ  in  these  far-off  provinces,  especially 
according  to  the  Constitution  of  our  Dutch  Reformed  Church  ;  having 
-considered  what  means  suitable  to  accomplish  this  object  were  immedi- 
ately practicable,  finds  itself  convinced  by  weighty  reasons,  and  con- 
strained in  conscience,  to  seek  to  become  changed  into  a  Classis,  in 
view  of  the  defective,  fruitless,  and  troublesome  nature  of  the  present 
organization,  and  of  the  pressing  reasons,  and  necessity  even,  for  a 
Classis. 

1.  Because  the  Coetus  can  give  no  satisfactory  reasons  from  the 
Church  Order  for  its  present  constitution,  being  neither  a  Consistorial, 
nor  a  Classical,  nor  a  S3'nodical  Assembly;  and  therefore  it  is  exposed 
to  contempt  from  without  and  hindrances  from  within. 

2.  Because  the  Coetus  has  not  the  authority  to  act  for  the  best  inter- 
-ests  of  the  Church  and  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  congregations  here, 
not  being  able  to  make  any  final  decision  of  a  case,  or  to  constitute  a 
candidate  or  a  minister ;  besides  the  trouble  and  delay  of  the  present 
mode  of  action,  it  being  necessary  to  send  all  matters  to  and  from  the 
Classis  before  reaching  a  consummation,  and  sometimes  not  even  then. 
Hence  appears  the  necessity  of  a  Classis,  by  which  we  can  meet  the 
wishes  of  almost  all  the  congregations,  and  free  them  from  the  needless 


APPENDIX.  301 

and  heavy  expenses  of  sending  their  younj^^  men  over  sea  for  ordination^ 
as  well  as  from  the  loss  of  much  time,  and  the  great  exposure  of  the 
young  men  ;  and  also  from  giving  calls  to  persons  who  are  not  suitable,, 
and  who  seek  ordination  from  other  communions  differing  from  our- 
selves. Of  this  we  have  already  had  one  example  among  the  High 
Dutch,  and  have  reason  to  fear  more.  In  this  way  we  shall  be  in  a  con- 
dition to  attend  promptly  to  questions  as  they  arise,  to  furnish  the  con- 
gregations with  candidates  and  ministers,  and  to  promote  the  real 
advantage  of  the  churches.  We  wish  to  satisfy  the  Classis  with  the 
reasons  of  this  course,  and  request  them  to  aid  us  in  the  attainment  of 
the  object  with  the  Synod,  and  accordingly  to  propose  to  the  Synod, 
with  their  consent,  to  ratify  the  same. 

The  Consistories,  therefore,  and  after  them  the  congregations,  are 
earnestly  requested  to  agree  beforehand  to  this  action,  and  subscribe  it 
with  their  own  hands,  thereby  binding  themselves  to  stand  by  such  a 
Classis,  and  to  submit  to  its  control  and  decisions  according  to  the 
Church  Orders;  and  every  Minister  and  Consistory  subsequently  com- 
ing in  is  requested  to  do  the  same,  in  order  that  thus  this  salutary  object 
may  the  better  find  access  to  the  Synod,  and  secure  their  approval. 

Done  in  our  Coetus  Assembly  at  New  York,  the  19th  of  September^. 
1754,  and  signed,  in  the  name  of  all, 

J.  ^YYZ^^\K,  p.  t.  President. 
SAMUEL  VERBRYCK,^.  /.  Clerk. 

Committee  on  Reports. — The  Rev.  Messrs.  Haeghoort,  Ritzema,  Schuy- 
ler, and  Verbryck  were  appointed  a  committee  to  come  together 
at  New  York  in  the  first  part  of  April  next,  with  the  reports  of  the  con- 
gregations concerning  the  erection  of  a  Classis  in  these  provinces,  who 
then  shall  or  shall  not,  according  to  circumstances,  write  to  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  and  to  the  Christian  Synod  of  North  Holland ; 
Dom.  Ritzema  to  inform  the  committee  of  the  exact  day,  according  as 
the  opportunity  may  offer  of  a  vessel  to  Holland. 

77/1?  Same. — Dom.  Ritzema  shall  provide  each  Minister  with  a  copy 
of  the  draft  of  the  proposed  Classis,  who  shall  propose  it  to  the  vacant 
congregations  under  his  care,  so  that  it  may  be  signed  by  them,  as  well 
as  by  those  congregations  which  have  a  Minister. 

Close. — It  was  resolved  that  henceforth  the  Coetus  would  commence 
its  ordinary  session  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  October.  Whereupon  the 
Assembly,  well  satisfied  with  the  harmony  and  love  which  had  prevailed, 
separated  with  thanksgiving  and  prayer  to  God. 

Subscribed  and  testified  by  us,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority 
of  all. 

J.   RITZEMA,  p.  t.  President. 
SAMUEL  VERBRYCK,  p.  i.  Clerk. 


303  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Letter  of  the  Church  of  New  York  to  the  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam, Objecting  to  the  Plan  of  a  Classis.    Oct.  17,  1754. 

Rev.  Fathers  and  Brethren  in  Christ : 

The  Consistory  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Congregation  of  Jesus  Christ, 
at  New  York,  finds  itself  compelled  to  acquaint  you  with  the  action  of 
the  Coetus,  held  for  some  years  in  New  York  (consisting  of  almost  all 
the  Dutch  ministers  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey), 
with  our  conclusions  thereon.  This  [action]  with  its  reasons  being 
made  known  to  you,  we  doubt  not  of  securing  your  approbation.  We 
therefore  lay  before  you  the  plan  of  the  Coetus,  dated  Sept.  19th,  1754, 
submitted  to  us  and  all  the  other  congregations,  together  with  our  reso- 
lutions thereon  (adopted  in  full  Consistorj),  on  the  ist  of  October. 

What  we  have  further  to  say  in  elucidation  of  that  resolution  is  this . 

(i.)  "  If  the  Coetus  is  fruitless,  because,  among  other  things,  it  has  no 
power  to  pronounce  a  final  decision,  we  fear  that  the  power  of  the  pro- 
posed Classis  to  pronounce  such  decision,  would  be  still  more  fruitless, 
because  more  than  once  the  lust  of  rule  shown  by  some  brethren  in  the 
Coetus,  seemed  to  us  to  produce  strife  and  discord,  and  reproaches 
from  them  that  are  without.  For,  the  exercise  of  the  power  desired 
would  have  just  as  little  effect  as  its  non-exercise  by  the  Coetus,  not 
being  upheld  by  the  rest.  Indeed,  we  fear  that  such  an  exercise  of 
power  would  furnish  occasion  for  the  overthrow  of  our  freedom  by  a 
higher  power." 

(2.)  "  We  do  not  wholly  deny  that  it  would  be  useful  to  make  can- 
didates and  ministers  here :  we  would  even  agree  to  it  if  there  were  the 
same  instruction  in  studies  as  in  the  Fatherland ;  but  in  the  lack  of 
that,  it  would,  we  think,  tarnish  the  gospel  service :  as  when  some  one, 
taught  for  one  year,  or  two,  or  three,  by  one  minister  or  another,  with- 
out any  adequate  instruction  in  the  languages  or  the  sciences,  having 
picked  up  a  little  knowledge  in  the  orthodox  doctrme,  having  learned 
one  system  or  another,  then,  as  rude  as  he  is,  mounts  the  rostrum,  and 
with  his  borrowed  sermon,  is  not  ashamed  to  speak  before  respectable 
congregations  de  verbo  ad  verbutn,  thinking  all  the  time  he  has  done  a 
famous  piece  of  work  ;  and  if  anything  of  his  own  is  added,  that  only 
makes  it  worse." 

(3.)  "The  making  of  candidates  and  ministers  here  has  this  farther 
difficulty,  in  our  view,  that  it  renders  our  separation  from  the  Church  of 
the  Fatherland  unavoidable.  The  proofs  of  this  are  plain  enough. 
Some  call  our  relation  to  your  body  a  father's  yoke,  which  must  be 
broken,  speaking  with  contempt  of  those  who  are  sent  here  by  you. 
They  complain  no  little  of  what  they  have  to  subscribe  to  when  received 
into  the  ministerial  office.  Yes,  a  spirit  of  independence  strives,  as  is 
to  be  seen,  not  obscurely,  in  the  proposal  itself." 

(4)  We  now  turn  to  the  partizanship  which  for  some  time  has  been 
shown  in  the  Coetus,  and  which  would  not  be  overcome  by  constituting 


APPENDIX.  303 

a  Classis ;  wherefore  we  think  either  to  be  an  injury  rather  than  a  bene- 
fit. As  appears  from  the  work  of  the  Committee  at  "  Flakbosch ' 
(Flatbush)  "  the  call  of  Jackson  at  Bergen.  Romein  at  Oyster  Bay, 
against  the  views  of  your  body,  and  from  all  the  doings  of  those  who, 
hitherto  have  been  appointed  by  the  Coetus.  In  the  case  of  the  Com- 
mittee in  Tappan,  it  can  be  abundantly  shown  that,  notwithstanding  the 
rules  and  resolutions  of  the  Coetus  thereon,  men  did  not  fear  to  over- 
ride them  ;  and  whenever  they  had  made  up  their  minds,  they  intrigued 
to  gain  the  majority  of  votes,  and  having  gained  this,  instead  of  main- 
taining the  right,  strengthened  the  hands  of  the  godless  oppressors  of 
the  people  of  God." 

'*  For  these  and  like  reasons  we  are  bold  to  renew  our  old  relation  and 
remain  in  entire  correspondence  with  you,  to  communicate  our  affairs 
and  expect  counsel  and  direction  ;  and  we  hope  that  you  will  in  no 
respect  withdraw  from  us,  but  continue  to  be  our  counselors  for  the  good 
of  our  Church,  and  we  desire  that  the  undertaking  of  the  petitioners 
may  not  prosper." 

Signed  by  the  whole  Consistory. 


Note  8.    Page  62. 
Instructions  to  Gov.  Sloughter,  of  New  York,   Jan.  31,  1689. 

[Col.  Hist.  Ill,  p.  688.] 

"You  shall  take  care  that  God  Almighty  be  devoutly  and  duly  served 
throughout  your  government,  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  as  it  is  now 
established,  read  each  Sunday  and  Holy  day,  and  the  blessed  sacrament 
administered  according  to  the  rites  of  the  Church  of  England.  You 
shall  be  careful  that  the  churches  already  built  there  shall  be  well  and 
orderly  kept,  and  more  built  as  the  colony  shall  by  God's  blessing  be 
improved  and  that  besides  a  competent  maintenance  to  be  assigned  to 
the  ministers  of  each  orthodox  church,  a  convenient  house  to  be  built 
at  the  common  charge  for  each  minister,  and  competent  proportion  of 
land  assigned  him  for  a  glebe  and  exercise  of  his  industry. 

"You  shall  take  care  that  the  parishes  be  so  limited  and  settled  as 
you  shall  find  most  convenient  for  the  accomplishing  of  this  good 
work . 

"  Our  will  and  pleasure  is,  That  no  minister  be  preferred  by  you  to 
any  ecclesiastical  benefice  in  that  our  province  without  a  certificate 
from  the  Right  Reverend  the  Bishop  of  London,  of  his  being  conform- 
able to  the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  of  a 
good  life  and  conversation. 

"And  if  any  person  preferred  already  to  a  benefice  shall  appear  to  you 
to  give  scandal,  either  by  his  doctrine  or  manners,  you  are  to  use  the 
best  means  for  the  removal  of  him,  and  to  supply  the  vacancy  in  such 
manner  as  we  have  directed  ;  and  also  our  pleasure  is  that  in  the  direc- 


304  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

tion  of  all  Church  aflfairs,  the  minister  be  admitted  into  the  respective 
vestries,  and  to  the  end  the  ecclesiastical  jurisdiction  of  the  said  Bishop 
of  London  may  take  place  in  that  our  province  as  far  as  conveniently 
may  be.  We  do  think  fit  that  you  give  all  countenance  and  encourage- 
ment in  the  exercise  of  the  same,  excepting  only  to  the  collating  to 
benefices,  granting  licenses  for  marriages  and  probates  of  wills,  which 
we  have  reserved  to  you  our  Governor,  and  to  the  Commander-in-Chief 
for  the  time  being. 

"  You  are  to  take  especial  care  that  a  table  of  marriages  established 
by  the  Canons  of  the  Church  of  England  be  hung  up  in  all  orthodox 
churches  and  duly  observed 

"  We  do  further  direct  that  no  schoolmaster  be  henceforth  permitted 
to  come  from  England  and  to  keep  school  within  our  Province  of  New 
York  without  the  license  of  the  said  Bishop  of  London,  and  that  no 
other  person  now  there,  or  that  shall  come  from  other  parts,  be  admit- 
ted to  keep  school  without  your  license  first  had." 

Same  instructions  to  Gov.  Fletcher,  March  17,  1692.  {Col.  Hist.  Ill . 
821.) 

Instructions  to  Gov.  Hunter,  1709,  are  substantially  the  same,  with 
this  addition  :  "  You  are  to  inquire  whether  there  be  any  minister 
within  your  Government  who  preaches  and  administers  the  sacraments 
in  any  orthodox  church  or  chapel  without  being  in  due  orders,  and  to 
give  an  account  thereof  to  the  said  Lord  Bishop  of  London."  {Col. 
Hist,  v.,  135.) 


Note  9.    Page  62. 
An  Act  for  Settling  a  Ministry,  and  Raising  a  Maintenance 

FOR    THEM    IN     THE     CiTY    OF    NeW    YORK,    COUNTY    OF     RICHMOND, 

Westchester    and    Queen's   county.      Passed    Sept.  22,    1693- 
(Chapter  33.) 

Whereas,  Profaneness  and  Licentiousness  hath  of  late  overspread  this 
province,  for  Want  of  a  settled  Ministry  throughout  the  same  :  to  the 
End  the  same  may  be  removed,  and  the  Ordinances  of  God  duly  admin- 
istered ; 

L  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Governor,  and  Council,  and  Represefitatives  cofi- 
vefted  in  General  Assembly,  and  by  the  Authorify  of  the  same,  That  in  each 
of  the  respective  Cities  and  Counties  hereafter  mentioned  and  ex- 
pressed, there  shall  be  called,  inducted,  and  established,  a  good  sufficient 
Protestant  Minister,  to  officiate,  and  have  the  Care  of  Souls,  within  one 
Year  next,  and  after  the  Publication  hereof,  that  is  to  say  ;  In  the  City 
of  New  York,  One  ;  in  the  county  of  Richmond,  One  ;  in  the  county  of 
Westchester,  Two  ;  —One  to  have  the  Care  of  Westchester,  Eastchester, 
Yonkers,  and  the  Manor  of  Pelham  ;  the  Other  to  have  the  Care  oi  Rye, 


APPENDIX.  305 

Mamarotock,  and  Bedford ;  in  Queen's  County,  Two;  One  to  have  the 
Care  of  Jamaica,  and  the  adjacent  Towns  and  Farms  ;  the  Other  to 
have  the  Care  of  Hamstead,  and  the  next  adjacent  Towns  and  Farms. 

II.  And  for  their  respective  Encouragement,  Be  it  further  enacted,  by 
the  atithority  aforesaid.  That  there  shall  be  annually,  and  once  in  every 
Year,  in  every  of  the  respective  Cities  and  Counties  aforesaid,  assessed, 
levied,  collected  and  paid,  for  the  Maintenance  of  each  of  their  respec- 
tive Ministers,  the  respective  Sums  hereafter  mentioned  ;  that  is  to  say  ; 
For  the  City  and  County  of  New  York,  One  Hundred  Pounds :  for  the 
two  Precincts  of  Westchester,  One  Hundred  Pounds,  to  each  Fifty 
Pounds,  to  be  paid  in  Country  Produce,  at  Money  Price ;  for  the  County 
of  Richmond,  Forty  Pounds,  in  Country  Produce  at  Money  Price  ; 
and  for  the  two  Precincts  of  Queen  s  covinX.y ,  One  Hundred  and  Twenty 
Pounds,  to  each  Sixty  Pounds,  in  Country  Produce,  at  Money  Price. 

III.  And  for  the  more  orderly  Raising  the  respective  Maintenances 
for  the  Ministers  aforesaid.  Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  afore- 
said, ThdX  the  respective  Justices  of  every  City  and  County  aforesaid 
or  any  Two  of  them,  shall  every  Year,  issue  out  their  Warrants  to  the 
Constables,  to  summons  the  Freeholders  of  every  City,  County,  and  Pre- 
cinct aforesaid,  together,  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  January,  for  the 
chusmg  of  Ten  Vestry  Men,  and  two  Church  Wardens ;  and  the  said 
Justices  and  Vestry-Men,  or  major  Part  of  them,  are  hereby  impowered, 
within  Ten  Days  after  the  said  Day,  or  any  Day  after,  as  to  them  shall 
seem  convenient,  to  lay  a  reasonable  Tax  on  the  said  respective  Cities, 
Counties,  Parish  or  Precincts  for  the  Maintenance  of  the  Minister  and 
Poor  of  their  respective  Places;  and  if  they  shall  neglect  to  issue  their 
Warrants,  so  as  the  Election  be  not  made  that  day,  they  shall  respec- 
tively forfeit  Five  Pounds  current  Money  of  this  Province  :  And  in  Case 
the  said  Freeholders  duly  summoned,  as  aforesaid,  shall  not  appear,  or 
appealing,  do  not  chuse  the  said  Ten  Vestry-Men  and  two  Church- 
Wardens,  that  then  in  their  Default,  the  said  Justices  shall,  within  Ten 
Days  after  the  said  second  Tuesday,  or  on  any  Day  after,  as  to  them 
shall  seem  convenient,  lay  the  said  reasonable  Tax,  on  the  said  respec- 
tive Places,  for  the  respective  Maintenances  aforesaid  ;  And  if  the  said 
Justices  and  Vestry-men  shall  neglect  their  Duty  herein,  they  shall  re- 
spectively forfeit  Fi2'e  Pounds,  current  Money,  aforesaid. 

IV.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid,  That  such 
of  the  Justices  and  Vestry-Men,  that  shall  not  be  present  at  the  time  ap- 
pointed, to  make  the  said  Taxes,  and  therefor  be  convicted,  by  a  certifi- 
cate under  the  Hands  of  such  as  do  appear,  and  have  no  sufficient 
Excuse  for  the  same  ;  shall  respectively  forfeit  Five  Pounds,  current 
Money  aforesaid  :  And  a  Roll  of  the  said  Tax  so  made,  shall  be  delivered 
into  the  Hands  of  the  respective  Constables  of  the  said  Cities,  Counties, 
Parishes  and  Precincts,  with  a  warrant  signed  by  any  two  Justices  of  the 
Peace,  impowering  him  or  them  to  levy  the  said  Tax;  and  upon  Re- 
fusal, to  distrain,  and  sell  by  public  Outcry,  and  pay  the  same   into  the 

20 


^06  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Hand  of  the  Church-Wardens,  retaining  to  himself  Twelve  Pence  per 
Pound,  for  levying  thereof  ;  And  if  any  Person  shall  refuse  to  pay  what 
he  is  so  assessed,  and  the  said  Constables  do  strain  for  the  same ;  all 
-his  charges  shall  be  paid  him,  with  such  further  allowance  for  his  Pains, 
as  the  said  Justices,  or  any  of  them,  shall  judge  reasonable  ;  And  if  the 
^aid  Justice  or  Justices,  shall  neglect  to  issue  the  said  Warrant,  he  or 
they  respectively  shall  forfeit  Five  Pounds  current  Money  aforesaid  ; 
and  if  the  said  Constables,  or  any  of  them  fail  of  their  Duty  herein, 
they  shall  respectively  forfeit  Fzve  Pounds  current  Money  aforesaid. 
And  the  Church  Wardens  so  chosen,  shall  undertake  the  said  Office 
and  receive  and  keep  a  good  account  of  the  Monies  or  Goods  levied  by 
Virtue  of  this  Act,  and  the  same  issue  by  Order  from  the  said  Justices 
and  Vestry-Men  of  the  respective  Cities,  Counties,  Precmcts,  and  Par- 
ishes aforesaid,  for  the  Purposes  and  Interests  atoresaid,  and  not  other- 
wise :  And  the  Church-Warden  shall,  as  often  as  thereunto  required, 
yield  and  give  a  just  and  true  account  unto  the  justices  and  Vestry- 
Men,  of  all  their  Receipts  and  Disbursements ;  And  in  case  the  said 
Church-Wardens,  or  any  of  them,  shall  neglect  their  Duty  therein,  they 
shall  respectively  forfeit  Five  Pounds,  current  Money  aforesaid,  for  every 
Refusal. 

V.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  by  the  Authority  aforesaid,  That 
the  said  Church-Wardens,  in  their  respective  Precincts  aforesaid, 
shall,  by  Warrant,  as  aforesaid,  pay  unto  the  respective  Ministers,  the 
Maintenance  aforesaid,  by  four  equal  and  quarterly  payments,  under  the 
Penalty  and  Forfeitures,  of  Five  Potinds  current  Money  aforesaid,  for 
each  Neglect,  Refusal,  or  Default ;  the  one  Half  of  all  which  Forfeitures, 
shall  be  disposed  of  to  the  Use  of  the  Poor,  in  the  respective  Precincts, 
where  the  same  doth  arise,  and  the  other  Half  to  him  or  them  that  shall 
prosecute  the  same. 

VL  Always  provided,  and  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  Authority  a/ore- 
said,  that  all  and  every  of  the  respective  Ministers,  that  shall  be  settled 
in  the  respective  Cities,  Counties  and  Precincts  aforesaid,  shall  be  called 
to  officiate  in  their  respective  Precincts,  by  the  respective  Vestry-men, 
and  Church- Wardens  aforesaid.  And,  Always  Provided,  That  all  the 
former  Agreements,  made  with  Ministers  throughout  this  Province, 
shall  continue  and  remain  in  their  full  Force  and  Virtue  ;  anything  con- 
tained herein  to  the  contrary  hereof,  in  any  wise  noth withstanding. 

The  following  references  to,  and  extracts  from,  the  Charter  of  Trinity 
Church,  1697,  show  that  the  Ministry  Act,  1693,  was  interpreted  to  estab- 
lish the  Church  of  England. 

The  charter  begins  by  referring  to  the  "Ministry  Act,"  and  quoting 
that  portion  of  it  which  relates  to  the  calling  oi '' a  good  sufficient 
Protestant  Minister."  At  least  ten  times  the  phrase  "  the  Church  of 
England  as  now  established  by  our  Laws,"  occurs  in  this  charter,  viz.  at 
lines  104,  T36,  154,  174,  187,  193,  215,  244,  497,  611,  in  the  printed  copy  in 
our  hands.     The  title  of  the  Corporation  is  "The  Rector  and  Inhab- 


APPENDIX.  307 

Itants  in  Communion  of  the  Protestant  Church  of  England,  as  now  estab- 
lished by  our  Laws";  lines  103-105.  The  i^ioo  to  be  raised  by  the 
Ministry  Act,  is  given  forever  to  Trinity  Church  for  the  support  of  its 
ministers;  lines  113,  114;  510-525.  For  the  completion  of  the  first  edi- 
fice a  tax  was  to  be  levied  on  all  inhabitants  of  the  said  parish  ;  line 
380;  but  the  said  parish  is  defined  to  be  the  "sole and  only  parish  "  .  .  . 
"of  our  said  city  of  New  York  ";  lines  500-504.  The  Church-Wardens 
appointed  by  the  Ministry  Act  are  required  by  this  Charter  also,  to  raise 
the  /loo  specified  in  the  Act,  and  pay  it  to  the  Rector  of  Trinity 
Church  (lines  520  545),  and  the  Rector  may  prosecute  them  if  they  fail ; 
lines  555-560.  But  in  lines  b\%-^^\  it  is  asserted  not  to  abridge  any  rights 
or  privileges  granted  to  any  other  Protestant  Church  in  New  York.  This, 
no  doubt,  refers  to  the  rights  granted  the  Dutch  Church  by  the  Articles 
of  Surrender,  1664,  and  by  the  Charter  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  New 
York,  1696. 

Other  references  to  the  fact  that  the  Church  of  England  was  consid- 
ered to  be  established  by  law  may  be  found  almost  without  number  in 
the  Colonial  and  Documentary  Histories  of  New  York.  Yet  it  must  be 
admitted  that  views  differed  as  to  the  construction  of  the  Act.  The 
whole  is  ably  reviewed  in  Baird's  Status  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
/he  Provinces,  1879. 

Letter  of  Weaver,  Agent  of  the  Province  of  New  York. 

Jan.  9,  1697-8. 
Col.  Fletcher  assumes  the  glory  of  building  churches,  which  never 
was  imputed  to  him  as  a  crime,  if  it  was  true  ;  but  the  Church  of  New 
York  was  not  built  by  him,  but  by  a  contribution  of  several  even  of  the 
French  and  Dutch  Churches,  as  well  as  English,  and  an  allowance  of 
/loo  per  annum  given  to  an  English  minister  by  an  act  of  the  country, 
which  is  levied,  the  greater  part  of  it,  on  Dutch  and  French  inhabitants. 
Therefore  there  was  no  necessity  to  lease  the  King's  farm  to  the  Church- 
Wardens  (which  Fletcher  did  just  before  Bellomont  arrived),  nor  to 
call  this  lease  a  building  of  churches,  and  make  that  the  pretence  of 
hindering  a  succeeding  Governor  from  the  beneficial  use  of  the  farm  for 
the  conveniency  of  his  family.     {Col.  Hist.  A\  V.,  iv.  463.) 

Domine  Selvns  Writes  on    Sept.  30th,  1696,  to   the   Classis   of 

AM.STERDAM   AS    FOLLOWS  : 

[Extract.] 

"  My  Consistory  and  I  have  for  a  long  time  labored  and  taken  much 
pains  to  obtain  certain  privileges  for  our  Reformed  Church  here. 
These  we  have  now  obtained  by  a  favorable  document,  confirmed  with 
the  King's  Seal,  entitled,  '  The  Charter  of  the  Reformed  Protestant 
Dutch  Church  in  the  City  of  New  York,'  granted  A.  D.,  1696.  Its  con- 
tents are  in  respect  to  the  power  of  calling  one  or  more  ministers,  of 
choosing  elders,  deacons,  chorister,  sexton,  etc.,  and  of  erecting  Dutch 


308  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

schools,  all  in  conformity  to  the  Church  Order  of  the  Synod  of  Dort 
also  the  right  of  possessing  a  parsonage  and  other  Church  property 
and  to  hold  them  in  a  corporate  capacity,  without  alienation.  Also 
of  receiving  legacies  and  donations  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church,  etc., 
etc.  This  is  a  circumstance  which  promises  much  advantage  to  God's 
Church,  and  quiets  the  formerly  existing  uneasiness." 


Note  io.    Page  63. 

Documents  Relating  to  the  Dutch  Professorship  in  King's 
(Columbia)  College. 

I.   First  Offer  of  Trinity  Church  to  give  Land  for  a  College, 
March  5TH,  1752, 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Rector,  Church  Wardens  and  Vestrj'^men  of 
Trinity  Church,  on  Thursday,  March  5th,  1752. 

Present. — Rev.  Henry  Barclay,  Rector,  etc. 

It  being  unanimously  agreed  by  this  Board  that  a  proposition  be 
made  to  the  Commissioners  appointed  to  receive  proposals  for  the 
building  of  a  College  that  this  Board  is  willing  to  give  any  reasonable 
quantity  of  the  Church  farm  (which  is  not  let  out),  for  the  erecting  and 
use  of  a  College  ;  it  is  Ordered,  That  the  Rector  and  Church  Wardens 
be  a  Committee  to  wait  on  the  Commissioners,  and  make  the  aforesaid 
proposal  to  them,  and  confer  with  them  thereupon. 

A  true  copy. 

Richard  Nicoll,  Clerk. 

Page  63. 

2.    Second  Offer  Made  in  1754. 

"  It  is  unanimously  agreed  by  this  Board  that  this  Board  will  give  for 
the  use  of  the  Colledge  intended  to  be  erected  a  certain  parcell  of  land 
belonging  to  this  corporation,  to  erect  and  build  the  said  Colledge  upon  ; 
and  for  the  use  of  the  same — that  is  to  say,  a  street  of  ninety  feet  from 
the  Broadway  to  Church  street,  and  from  Church  street  all  the  lands 
between  Barclay's  street  and  Murray's  street  to  the  water  side — upon 
this  condition,  that  the  President  of  the  said  Colledge  forever  for  the 
time  being,  be  a  member  of  and  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land, and  that  the  morning  and  evening  service  in  said  Colledge  be  the 
Liturgy  of  the  said  Church,  or  such  a  collection  of  prayers,  out  of  the 
said  Liturgy,  as  shall  be  agreed  upon  by  the  President,  or  Trustees,  or 
Governors  of  the  said  Colledge." — Berrz'ans  History  of  Trinity  Churchy 
page  loi. 


APPENDIX.  309 

Page  63. 

3.  Petition  to  the  Governor  and  Council  for  a  College  Char- 
ter BY  THE  Trustees  Having  Charge  of  the  Funds  Raised 
BY  Act  of  Assembly. 

[New  York  Council  Minutes,  Vol.  XXIII.,  pp.  181,  et  Sfq.] 

At  a  Council  held  at  Fort  George,  in  the  City  of  New  York,  the  28th 
of  May,  1754.     Present : 

The  Honorable  James  De  Lancey,  Esq.,  Lieut.-Governor,  etc. 
Mr.  Alexander,  Mr.  Holland, 

Mr.  Kennedy,  Mr.  Chambers, 

Mr.  Murray,  Mr.  Smith. 

His  Honor  laid  before  the  Board  the  following  Petition,  which  was 
read  and  ordered  to  be  Entered,  viz  : 

To  the  Honorable  James  De  Lancey,  Esq.,  Lieutenant-Governor,  etc.,  etc., 
etc.  : 

The  Petition  of  the  Trustees  mentioned  and  appointed  in  and  by  An 
Act,  passed  in  the  twenty-fifth  year  of  his  present  Majestv's  Reign,  En- 
titled An  Act  for  vesting  in  Trustees  the  sum  of  three  thousand  four 
hundred  and  forty-three  pounds,  eighteen  shillings,  raised  by  way  of 
Lottery,  for  erecting  a  Colledge  within  this  Colony,  humbly  sheweth. 

That  divers  sums  of  money  having  been  raised  by  several  Acts  of  the 
Governor,  Council  and  General  Assembly  of  this  province  of  New  York, 
for  the  establishing  a  Colledge  in  the  said  province,  Your  petitioners, 
by  Acts  afterwards  made,  were  appomted  Trustees  for  putting  the  said 
moneys  at  interest,  and  to  receive  proposals,  accept  Donations,  and  pro- 
cure Masters  and  Tutors,  in  order  to  make  a  beginning  of  the  said  Sem- 
inary according  to  the  trust  reposed  in  them. 

Your  Petitioners  further  shew  unto  your  Honour,  That  in  pursuance 
of  the  said  Trust,  they  have  endeavoured  to  get  a  proper  Master  and 
Tutor  for  the  said  intended  Seminary,  But  find  that  as  your  Petitioners 
are  enabled  to  give  Salarys  for  seven  years  only,  that  they  are  under 
great  diflficulty  to  procure  a  fit  and  proper  person  to  undertake  the  of- 
fice of  Master  or  head  of  the  said  Seminary.  Your  Petitioners  further 
shew  unto  your  Honour,  that  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of 
New  York  in  Communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  estab- 
lished, being  wilhng  to  encourage  the  said  Good  design  of  establishing 
a  Seminary  or  Colledge  for  the  education  of  Youth  in  the  Liberal  Arts 
and  Sciences,  have  offered  unto  your  Petitioners  a  very  valuable  Parcell 
of  Ground  on  the  West  Side  of  the  Broadway  In  the  westward  of  the 
City  of  New  York  for  the  use  of  the  said  Intended  Seminary  or  Col- 
ledge and  are  ready  and  desirous  to  Convey  the  said  Lands  for  the  said 
use  on  Condition  that  the  head  or  master  of  the  said  Seminary  or  Col- 
ledge be  a  member  of  and  In  communion  with  the  Church  of  England 
as  by  Law  Established  and  that  the  Liturgy  of  the  said  Church  or  a  Col- 


310  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

lection  of  prayers  out  of  the  said  Liturgy  be  the  Constant  morning  and 
evening  Service  used  in  the  said  Colledge  forever,  which  said  parcell  of 
Land  so  olTered  by  the  said  Rector  and  Inhabitants  Your  petitioners  Con- 
sidering as  the  most  proper  place  for  erecting  of  the  said  Seminary  or 
Colledge  upon  and  That  their  obtaining  his  Majesty's  Charter  to  them 
or  such  others  as  Your  Honour  shall  think  proper  for  the  said  trust, 
will  the  better  enable  your  petitioners,  in  conjunction  with  those  Your 
Honour  shall  incorporate  by  His  Majestie's  Charter,  to  provide  a  proper 
master  or  head  of  the  said  Seminary,  and  tutors  for  the  education  of 
youth,  and  thereby  greatly  tend  to  promote  and  further  the  intent  and 
design  of  establishing  a  Seminary  or  Colledge  for  the  education  of  youth 
among  us. 

Your  petitioners  therefore  humbly  pray,  That  in  order  to  promote  so 
good  a  design,  and  the  more  effectual  obtaining  a  grant  of  the  said  par- 
cell  of  land  for  the  use  and  benefitt  of  the  said  Seminary  or  Colledge, 
that  Your  Honour  would  be  pleased  to  grant  your  petitioners,  or  to  such 
other  persons  as  Your  Honour  shall  think  proper,  His  Majestie's  Char- 
ter of  Incorporation,  with  such  priviledges  as  to  Your  Honour  shall 
seem  meet,  the  better  to  enable  them  to  prosecute  the  said  design  of 
establishing  a  Seminary  or  Colledge  for  the  instruction  of  youth. 
And  your  petitioners  shall  ever  pray. 
Wm.  Livingston, 

New  York,  May  zoth,  1754.  By  order  of  the  Trustees. 

[Petition  from  N.  Y.,  Col.,  MSS.  LXXVIIL,  720.] 

Ordered,  that  the  said  Petition  be  referred  to  a  Committee  of  the 
gentlemen  of  the  Council,  or  any  five  of  them,  and  that  they  make  re- 
port thereupon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

4.    Report  of  Said  Committee. 

At  a  Council,  etc.,  the  30th  of  May,  1754.  Present  [the  same  as  above]. 

Mr.  Smith,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  to  whom  by  order  of  the  28th 
Instant,  was  Referred  the  Petition  of  the  Trustees  mentioned  and  ap- 
pointed in  and  by  an  Act  for  vesting  in  Trustees  the  Sum  of  three 
thousand  four  hundred  and  forty-three  pounds,  eighteen  shillings,  raised 
by  way  of  Lottery  for  erecting  a  College  within  this  Colony,  praying  his 
Majesty's  Grant  or  Charter  for  the  Incorporating  the  said  College  :  Re- 
ported that  the  Committee  had  considered  of  the  same,  and  were 
humbly  of  Opinion,  that  his  Honour  do  grant  to  proper  persons  his 
Majesty's  Letters  Patent  for  incorporating  the  said  College  according  to 
the  purport  and  prayer  of  the  Petition ;  and  that  his  honor  would  be 
pleased  to  direct  the  Attorney-General  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  the  said 
Letters  Patent  or  Charter,  to  be  laid  before  his  Honour  in  Council  for 
the  approbation  of  the  Board. 

Which  Report  on  the  Question  being  put,  was  agreed  to  and  ap- 
proved of. 


APPENDIX.  ail 

And  thereupon  it  was  ordered  by  his  Honour,  with  the  advice  of  the 
Council,  that  a  copy  of  the  said  Petition  and  the  proceedings  in  Council 
upon  the  said  Petition,  be  prepared  together  with  a  warrant  to  his 
Majesty's  Attorney-General,  directing  him  to  prepare  a  Draft  of  the  said 
Letters  Patent  or  Charter,  according  to  the  purport  and  prayer  of  the 
said  Petition,  and  it  is  further  ordered  that  the  said  Draft,  when  so  pre- 
pared, be  laid  before  his  Honor  in  Council  for  the  approbation  of  this 
Board. 

5.    Order  of  the  Governor. 

[From  N.  Y.  Col.  MSS.,  Ixxviii.,  121.] 

By  the  Hon.  James  DeLancey,  Esq.,  his  Majesty's  Lieut.-Govr.  and 
Com'r.  in  Chief  in  and  over  the  Province  of  New  York  and  the  Terri- 
tories depending  thereon  in  America. 

To  William  Kempe,  Esq.,  /lis  Majesty's  Attorney  General  for  the  ProT'ince 
of  New  York : 

Whereas,  The  Trustees  mentioned  and  appointed  in  and  by  an  act 
passed,  &c.,  &c.,  (as  above)  hath  by  their  humble  Petition  presented 
unto  me  and  read  in  Council  on  the  28th  day  of  May  last,  humbly 
prayed  I  would  grant  to  them,  the  petitioners,  or  to  such  persons  as 
should  be  thought  proper,  his  Majesty's  Charter  of  Incorporation  with 
such  privileges  as  should  be  thought  meet,  which  Petition  was  then  re- 
ferred to  a  Committee  of  Gentlemen  of  the  Council,  or  any  five  of  them. 
The  Chairman  whereof  afterward  reported  that  the  Committee  were 
humbly  of  opinion  that  I  should  grant  to  proper  persons  his  Majesty's 
Letters  Patent  for  incorporating  the  said  College  according  to  the  pur- 
port and  prayer  of  the  petition,  and  direct  the  Attorney  General  to  pre- 
pare a  draft  of  the  said  Letters  Patent  or  Charter,  which  report  was 
agreed  to  and  approved  of  as  the  said  petition  and  the  proceedings  in 
Council  thereupon,  copies  of  which  are  hereunto  annexed,  may  more 
fully  and  at  large  appear. 

I  have  therefore  thought  fit  by  and  with  the  advice  of  his  Majesty's 
Council  to  direct,  and  you  are  hereby  directed  and  required  to  prepare  a 
draft  of  the  said  letters  Patent  or  Charter  according  to  the  purport  and 
prayer  of  the  said  petition,  and  to  lay  the  same  before  me  in  Council — 
and  for  so  doing  this  shall  be  your  sufficient  warrant 

Given  under  my  hand,  &c.,  &c.,  the  4th  day  of  June,  1754. 

6.    Protest  of  the  Minority  of  said  Committee. 

[Council  Minutes  Continued.] 

Mr.  Alexander  and  Mr.  Smith  dissenting  to  the  Report  of  the  Com- 
mittee, desired  leave  to  enter  their  dissent  with  their  reasons,  which 
being  granted,  the  said  reasons  were  read,  and  are  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing : 

We,  whose  names  are  underwritten  being  two  of  five  of  his  Majesty's 
Council  for  this  Province,  who  in  the  said  Committee  dissented  from  the 


312  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

opinion  then  given  by  the  Honourable  Joseph  Murray,  Edward  Holland 
and  John  Chambers,  Esquires,  we  also  having  proposed  that  the  said 
Petition  should  remain  for  further  consideration  of  the  said  Committee, 
before  report  should  be  made  thereon,  and  the  said  Committee  having 
determined  against  our  opinions  in  that  point  also,  and  carried  the 
proposal  in  the  negative,  have,  therefore,  thought  fit  for  the  justification 
of  our  loyal  intention  towards  his  Majesty's  service,  and  our  hearty  con- 
cern for  the  best  good  of  his  Majesty's  subjects  in  this  Province,  and  our 
true  respect  and  deference  to  his  Honour  the  Lieutenant  Governor  and 
the  Honourable  Board  of  his  Majesty's  Council,  with  all  humility  herein 
to  set  forth  the  grounds  and  reasons  why  we  are  of  opinion  that  the  said 
petition  with  the  exclusive  clauses  therein  contained  ought  not  to  have 
been  granted. 

Previous  whereto  we  beg  leave  to  declare  that  in  the  political  light  in 
which  we  consider  the  intended  College,  it  appears  to  us  that  any  con- 
stitutional preferment  by  act  of  Government  within  this  Province  of  one 
Denomination  of  Protestants  exclitsive  of  others  to  any  office  that  con- 
cerns the  education  of  youth  (a  matter  extremely  interesting  and  im- 
portant) will  be  injurious  to  the  common  rights  of  this  people,  naturally 
endanger  the  producing  of  factions  and  parties,  tend  to  destroy  that  har- 
mony which  at  present  subsists  among  them,  raise  and  maintain  perpetual 
jealousies,  feuds,  animosities,  divisions  and  hatred  among  his  Majesty's 
subjects  within  this  Province,  put  it  in  the  power  of  the  party  preferred 
to  oppress  the  rest,  and  tend  to  the  advancement  of  particular  interests 
and  designs,  rather  than  the  public  good.  And  although  we  are  of 
opinion  that  the  state  of  this  province  ought  to  have  been  fully  consid- 
ered in  a  time  of  more  leisure  than  our  preparation  for  his  Majesty's  ser- 
vice on  the  publick  affairs  at  Albany,  and  our  business  on  the  Circuit 
would  admit  of,  yet  we  thought  it  our  duty  at  this  time,  notwithstanding 
these  disadvantages  with  regard  to  the  present  petition  to  observe  more 
particularly,  that  it  appears  to  us. 

First.  That  the  far  greatest  part  (we  suppose  seven-eighths)  of  the 
freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  this  Province  are  Protestants  of  religious 
denominations  different  from  those  of  the  Church  of  England  established 
by  Law  in  South  Britain,  who  are  all  zealously  attached  to  the  distinguish- 
ing characteristicks  of  their  own  respective  parties,  and  notwithstanding 
their  different  opinions  in  religion,  are  all  well  affected  to  his  Majesty's 
person  and  Government  and  the  Protestant  succession  in  his  Royal 
House,  and  are  good  and  profitable  members  of  the  community,  and  (at 
least)  as  to  the  far  greatest  part  of  them,  have  not  hitherto  been  dis- 
qualified by  any  Act  of  Legislature,  for  public  service  in  any  office  either 
Civil,  Military  or  Literary  within  this  Government. 

Secondly.  That  the  free  indulgence  of  liberty  of  conscience  and  an 
equal  enjoyment  of  civil  rights  allowed  to  Protestants  of  all  denomina- 
tions, and  the  impartial  distributing  of  offices  of  trust  to  Protestants  of 
sufficient  qualifications  to  discharge  such  offices,  within  this  Province. 


APPENDIX.  ,  313 

has  greatly  tended  to  its  present  growth  and  prosperity,  and  that  its 
future  strength  and  support  as  a  Frontier  Province  against  the  common 
enemy  very  much  depends  upon  the  preservation  of  those  liberties  and 
rights  without  the  least  violation  or  infringement. 

Thirdly.  That  the  College  established  by  the  Charter  proposed,  being 
evidently  intended  to  draw  to  it  the  application  of  the  public  funds,  raised 
for  the  erecting  a  College  or  Seminary  of  Learning  within  this  Province, 
will  contract  the  scheme  of  publick  education  within  narrower  limits 
than  appear  to  have  been  designed  by  the  present  public  acts  of  legisla- 
tion and  will  prove  a  manifest  infringement  upon  the  rights  of  the 
people,  who  are  all  equally  interested  in  the  money  raised  for  the  purpose. 

Fourthly.  We  conceive  that  a  charter  granted  with  such  exclusive 
clauses,  will  prove  a  publick  greviance,  and  tend  to  disoblige  the  far 
greater  part  of  the  people  of  this  province,  who  will  be  disposed  to 
think  that  this  government  treats  them  unkindly  in  judging  them  unfit 
to  be  trusted  in  the  education  of  their  own  youth,  in  abridging  their 
natural  and  civil  rights  and  liberties  in  an  article  of  the  highest  impor- 
tance. That  it  will  tend  to  drive  away  the  far  greatest  part  of  the  youth 
of  this  province  into  the  neighbouring  colonies  for  an  education,  and 
transfer  a  considerable  part  of  our  wealth  to  the  support  of  foreign  col- 
leges, will  tend  to  prevent  strangers  from  settling  among  us,  obstruct  the 
increase  of  the  value  of  our  lands  and  his  Majesty's  Revenues  by  Quit- 
Rents,  and  in  the  event  have  an  unhappy  tendency  to  continue  this 
province  as  a  frontier  against  the  French  in  a  weak  and  defenceless 
state. 

Wherefore  we  are  humbly  of  opinion  against  the  grant  of  the  present 
petition  (among  other  reasons  that  may  be  collected  from  the  premises) 
more  particularly  that  it  appears  to  us. 

1.  As  being  unjust  by  any  charter  to  exclude  any  Protestant  Denom- 
ination in  this  province,  from  any  offices  in  our  College. 

2.  As  being  inconsistent  with  religious  liberty,  to  impose  any 
method  of  divine  service,  unless  it  be  formed  for  that  purpose  in  such 
way  as  the  Legislature  shall  agree  to. 

3.  As  tending  to  monopolize  learning  to  a  small  party,  and  to  drive 
the  greatest  part  of  the  youth  intended  for  an  education  to  seek  it  out  of 
this  province. 

4.  As  subversive  of  the  generous  design  a  Publick  College,  intended 
by  the  acts  of  the  Legislature,  referred  to  in  the  petition,  which  do 
not  exclude  any  denomination  of  Protestants  from  public  office  therein. 

5.  As  dangerous  to  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  this  province,  by  estab- 
lishing in  a  minor  party  a  constitutional  right  with  an  exclusive  domin- 
ion over  the  far  greater  part  of  the  inhabitants  thereof. 

6.  As  detrimental  to  his  Majesty's  interest,  the  honor  of  his  govern- 
ment within  this  province  and  the  general  good  and  welfare  of  the 
people  that  inhabit  the  same. 

For  these  reasons  we  do  enter  our  protestation  against  and  dissent  to 


314  '  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

the  grant  of  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition,  with  such  exclusive  clauses 
as  are  contained  in  it.  Protesting  further  and  declaring  it  to  be  our 
undoubted  right  and  bounden  duty  for  his  Majesty's  service,  and  with 
regard  to  the  civil  and  religious  interests  of  the  good  people  of  this  pro- 
vince, as  occasion  may  require  to  publish  this  our  protestation  for  the 
common  good.  Ja.  Alexander. 

New   York,  2,ot/i  May,  1754.  Wm.  Smith. 

P.  S. — We  have  recollected  since  writing  the  above,  that  John  Cham- 
bers, Esq.,  as  a  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  Edward  Holland,  Esq., 
as  Mayor  of  the  city  of  New  York,  are  two  of  the  Trustees  named  by  the 
Act  of  the  Assembly  mentioned  in  the  preceeding  petition,  and  conse- 
quently, they  are  not  the  less  petitioners,  that  Mr.  Livingston  has  signed 
the  petition  by  order  of  the  Trustees.  And  with  submission,  we  think, 
no  person  can  be  a  fit  judge  of  his  own  petition.  And  for  that  reason  do 
also  protest  against  the  granting  the  said  petition. 

Ja.  Alexander, 
Wm.  Smith. 

His  Honor  was  pleased  to  observe  that  as  the  gentlemen  dissenting  to 
the  said  report,  had  in  their  protest  declared  it  to  be  their  undoubted 
right  and  bounden  duty,  as  occasion  might  require,  to  publish  their  said 
protestation  for  the  common  good,  and  should  they  publish  the  same, 
considering  that  their  protest  was  laid  before  this  board,  and  entered  in 
the  minutes  thereof,  it  might  be  presumed  to  be  published  with  their  ap- 
probation, and,  therefore,  he  desired  the  opinion  of  the  Council  whether 
they  thought  it  proper  that  leave  should  be  given  to  publish  the  same. 

The  Council  declared  as  they  were  of  opinion  it  ought  not  to  be  pub- 
lished ;  they  could  not  advise  or  consent  that  leave  should  be  given  for 
that  purpose. 

Page  224. 

At  a  Council,  etc.,  etc.,  the  31st  of  October,  1754.  Present  (as  above, 
except  Mr.  Alexander). 

The  draft  of  letters  patent,  incorporating  certain  persons  to  be  named 
therein,  by  the  name  and  stile  of  the  Governors  of  the  College  of  the 
Province  of  New  York,  in  the  City  of  New  York,  in  America,  prepared 
and  signed  by  his  Majesty's  Attorney-General,  pursuant  to  his  Honour's 
warrant,  issued  by  advice  of  the  Council  on  the  30th  day  of  May  last, 
was  laid  before  the  Board  and  read  and  agreed  to  with  one  alteration 
made  at  the  table.  His  Honor  also  communicated  a  list  of  the  names 
of  the  persons  he  proposed  to  appoint  Governors  of  the  said  College- 
which  list  was  read  and  the  persons  approved  of  by  the  Council.  And 
the  Council  humbly  advised  his  Honour  to  affix  the  great  seal  to  the 
said  letters  patent  when  engrossed. 

Mr.  Smith  declared  his  dissent  to  the  said  draft  of  a  charter  or  letters 
patent,  for  the  reasons  assigned  by  him  and  Mr.  Alexander  on  the  30th 


APPENDIX.  315 

of  May  last,  on  the  report  of  the  committee  upon  the  petition  of  the 
Trustees,  and  desired  his  dissent  might  be  entered,  which  is  entered  ac- 
cordingly. 

Page  64. 

7.  Petition  of  the  Collegiate  Church,  of  New  York  City,  to 
THE  Assembly,  for  a  Professorship  of  Divinity  in  King's 
College,  1754. 

[From  the  Journal  of  the  Assembly  (of  the  Province),  Vol.  II.,  p.  392,  Oct.  25,  1754.] 

A  petition  of  the  Ministers,  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Reformed 
Protestant  Dutch  Church,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  was  presented  to  the 
House  and  read,  setting  forth  that  as  the  establishing  of  a  College 
within  this  Colony  for  the  instruction  of  youth  in  the  liberal  arts  and 
sciences  has  given  rise  to  various  debates,  and  is  of  the  utmost  import- 
ance to  their  civil,  and  more  especially  their  religious,  liberties  ;  they 
conceive  it  highly  necessary,  as  guardians  of  the  ecclesiastical  interests 
of  the  Dutch  congregations  of  this  city  in  particular,  and  the  other 
Dutch  Churches  in  this  province  in  general,  should  by  all  proper  means, 
endeavor  to  add  to  the  privileges  and  liberties  they  have  heretofore  en- 
joyed under  the  auspicious  smiles  of  the  British  Government;  that  a 
College  for  the  instruction  of  youth  in  sound  literature  will  be  very  ad- 
vantageous in  general  ;  but  unless  provision  be  made  for  a  Professor  of 
Divinity  for  the  benefit  of  the  Dutch  churches  in  this  country,  they  will 
lose  a  main  advantage  thereby  (and  which  they  prefer  to  every  other 
benefit  expected  from  a  public  Seminary  of  learning),  as  the  youth  in- 
tended for  the  ministry  will  without  that  privilege,  at  a  vast  expense  to 
the  parents,  be  obliged  to  reside  several  years  in  Holland,  or  other  for- 
eign Protestant  countries ;  that  the  institution  of  such  a  Professor 
would  make  the  intended  College  more  numerous  and  flourishing,  as 
their  youths  would  thereby  be  encouraged  to  the  study  of  Divinity  ; 
that  as  the  Dutch  are  the  greatest  number  of  any  single  denomination 
of  Christians  in  this  Province,  it  may  reasonably  be  expected  that  in  all 
Provincial  contributions  they  will  be  the  greatest  benefactors  to  the  in- 
tended College;  and,  therefore,  humbly  praying  that  the  Honorable 
House  will  be  favorably  pleased,  whenever  the  matter  of  the  said  Col- 
lege comes  under  consideration,  they  may,  by  the  Act  for  incorporating 
and  establishing  the  same,  be  entitled  to  a  Divinity  Professor,  with  a 
reasonable  salary,  to  be  nominated  by  the  Ministers,  Elders  and  Dea- 
cons of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Protestant  Church  in  this  City  ;  and  that 
the  said  Professor  may  freely  and  without  control  teach  the  doctrines 
of  faith  maintained  by  their  churches,  as  established  and  approved  of 
by  the  National  Synod  of  Dort,  1618,  1619. 

Ordered,  that  the  said  petition  be  taken  into  consideration  when  the 
House  proceeds  on  the  consideration  of  establishing  a  College  for  the 
education  of  youth  within  this  Colony. 


S16  CENTENNIAL    MEMORIAL. 

Page  65. 
8.    Report  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Funds,  Nov.  ist,  1754. 

[Journal  of  the  Assembly,  Vol.  II.,  p.  396.] 

The  Trustees  of  the  proposed  College  Funds  were,  on  Oct.  25th,  1754, 
ordered  to  report.  This  report  was  made  on  Nov.  ist.  They  briefly 
stated  that  they  had  entered  on  the  trust  reposed  in  them,  and  that, 
according  to  the  order  of  the  House,  on  Oct.  25th,  they  had  advertised 
and  put  out  the  money — ;{^3,443 — at  interest.  They  further  stated  that 
Trinity  Church  had  offered  to  give  them  land  for  the  site  and  use  of  a 
College.     Signed  by 

John  Chambers,  Jas.  Livingston, 

Daniel  Horsemanden,      Benj.  Nicolls, 
Edward  Holland,  Ab.  De  Peyster. 

'  9.    Minority  Report*  of  Wm.  Livingston,  Same  Date. 

He  said  that  he  had  protested  against  the  above  report  as  incom- 
plete ;  that  it  did  not  contain  all  their  proceedings  ;  especially,  that  it 
did  not  contain  a  certain  petition  by  the  said  Trustees  to  the  Lieuten- 
ant-Governor for  a  Charter  for  a  College,  nor  his  (Livingston's)  protest 
against  the  said  Charter  and  Petition. 

1.  That,  considering  the  nature  of  the  trust  reposed  in  the  said  Trus- 
tees, and  that  they  were  not  a  Body  Corporate  and  Politic,  they  must 
be  governed  by  a  majority  vote,  and  were  personally  responsible  to  the 
Legislature. 

2.  That  he  protested  against  their  acts  in  order  to  protect  himself. 

3.  That  the  said  Trustees  had  exceeded  their  powers,  or  omitted  to 
execute  their  trust,  unless  his  dissent  were  reported. 

4.  That  they  should  have  reported  his  dissent. 

5.  That  their  refusal  so  to  do  was  an  infringement  of  his  right  as  a 
Trustee. 

The  minority  Report  of  Wm.  Livingston  included  within  itself  docu- 
ments, or  extracts,  or  references  to  the  following  papers  : 

1.  The  first  ofTer  of  land  by  Trinity  Church  as  early  as  March  5,  1752. 

2.  The  invitation  of  the  Trustees  to  Dr.  Samuel  Johnson  to  become 
Head-Master,  Nov.  22,  1753,  signed  by  Wm.  Livingston. 

3.  The  invitation  of  the  Trustees  to  Mr.  Whittlesey  to  become  Second 
Master,  Jan.  7,  1754. 

4.  On  the  same  date  Dr.  Johnson  was  informed  that  he  would  be 
made  Assistant  Rector  of  Trinity  Church. 

5.  A  reply  of  Dr.  Johnson,  dated  Jan.  7,  1754,  and  asking  for  more 
time  for  consideration.     Read  to  the  Trustees  on  Feb.  11,  1754. 

6.  Mr.  Whittlesey  wrote  to  the  Trustees  that  he  could  not  yet  decide 
Read  by  the  Trustees,  Feb.  21,  1754. 


*  The  Minority  Report  was  presented  before  the  Majority  Report. 


APPENDIX.  31T 

7.  March    13.    1754.      The  Trustees  wrote   to  Dr.  Johnson  and    Mr. 
Whittleby,  inviting  them  to  a  conference  in  New  York  City  in  April. 

8.  May  16,  1754.  A  draft  of  a  Charter  for  a  College,  on  lands  belong- 
ng  to  Trinity  Church  was  read  before  the  Trustees.  Livingston  pro- 
tested against  this  with  "  Twenty  unanswerable  Reasons." 

9.  May  2oth,  1754.     The  Trustees  are  informed  that  they  might  peti- 
tion the  Legislature  for  said  Charter. 

[This  petition  is  found  on  the  Journal  of  the  Assembly,  Vol.  IL,  p.  399.] 


Livingston's   "Twenty  Unanswerable  Reasons." 

[Journal,  Vol.  II.     400-402.] 

(abstract.) 

1.  Because  the  Church  of  England,  whose  Liturgy  is  to  be  used  in  said 
College,  is  not  an  established  Church  in  this  Province,  as  declared,  but 
all  citizens  are  on  perfect  religious  equality.  Therefore,  the  establish- 
ment of  said  College  will  be  partial,  and  a  manifest  encroachment  on 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  other  denominations. 

2.  Admitting  that  the  Church  of  England,  established  in  South 
Britain,  is  established  in  this  Province ;  yet  the  establishment  of  the 
Liturgy  of  said  Church  in  said  College  by  Charter,  and  without  the  con- 
sent of  the  Representatives  of  the  people,  is  unjust  and  an  invasion  of 
their  rights.  For  all  the  inhabitants  will  be  obliged  to  contribute  to  the 
support  of  the  Institution,  while  the  vast  majority  dissent  from  the 
Church  of  England. 

3.  The  offer  made  by  Trinity  Church  on  April  8th,  1754,  of  land  for 
said  College,  is  made  conditionally  upon  the  use  of  the  English  Liturgy 
in  said  College,  whereas  Trinity  Church  on  March  5th,  1752,  offered  the 
land  unconditionally.  Trinity  Church  should  either  offer  the  land  un- 
conditionally or  the  Trustees  should  reject  the  offer  as  an  artifice  to 
purchase  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  people,  under  cover  of  a  gener- 
ous and  unconditional  gratuity. 

4.  That  the  Trustees  cannot  accept  of  lands  from  Trinity  Church  on 
the  above  conditions,  or  any  other  conditions,  according  to  the  Acts  ap- 
pointing them,  without  the  consent  of  the  Legislature.  The  Trustees 
were  only  appointed  to  receive  proposals  of  land,  &c.,  and  report  to  the 
Legislature. 

5.  The  Trustees  are  sufficiently  empowered  by  tht;  last  Act  to  insti- 
tute and  manage  the  said  College  without  any  Charter. 

6.  That  a  Charter,  however  drawn,  and  without  giving  to  the  Trus- 
tees the  right  to  advance  one  sect  above  another,  would  still  be  unsafe"- 
as  it  might  be  surrendered  or  repealed, 

7.  Because  the  moneys  directed  to  be  paid  for  the  salary  of  the  Mas- 
ters, &c.,  <S:c.,  were  intended  for  the  Masters  of  a  Free  College  ;  but  the 
Trustees,  in   taking   the   oath  prescribed    by  said   Charter,  would  bind 


318  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

themselves  to  defeat  it.  For  they  would  aid  and  abet  Trinity  Church 
in  defrauding  the  Province  out  of  said  moneys,  by  applying  them  to  the 
use  of  the  College  of  Trinity  Church. 

8.  Because  said  Charter  excludes  from  the  office  of  President  all  per- 
sons not  ot  the  Church  of  England.  This  would  excite  animosities  in 
the  Province  by  a  discrimination  of  privilege,  and  establishing  a  superi- 
ority in  one  among  the  sects,  which  would  prove  prejudicial  to  the  edu- 
cation of  youth,  by  excluding  competent  persons  from  the  office  of  Presi- 
dent, and  electing  inferior  persons  thereto. 

9.  The  second  Act  referred  to,  empowering  the  Trustees  to  appoint 
Masters,  prescribes  no  religious  test  whatever ;  nor  was  said  Act  in- 
tended to  exclude  the  Dutch  or  other  Protestants. 

10.  Because  the  Trustees  appointed  by  said  charter  are  empowered  to 
supply  all  vacancies  of  Trustees  by  their  own  choice,  and  without  re- 
straint. This  may  subvert  the  design  of  the  College,  or  prove  dangerous 
to  the  liberty  of  the  people. 

11.  Because  it  will  compel  parents  to  send  their  children  to  this  Col- 
lege of  Trinity  Church,  or  leave  them  without  academical  education. 

12.  Because  it  may  carry  out  of  this  province  large  sums  of  money  to 
the  neighboring  provinces  for  the  education  of  youth. 

13.  Because  it  is  likely  to  prevent  charitable  contributions.  Many 
will  cheerfully  contribute  to  the  College  of  New  York,  but  not  to  the 
College  of  Trinity  Church. 

14.  Because  it  is  contrary  to  the  Golden  Rule  taught  by  the  Head  of 
the  Church.  It  would  be  unbecoming  the  dignity  of  Trinity  Church  to 
try  to  counteract  this  rule. 

1 5.  Because  the  application  of  the  moneys  to  the  use  of  Trinity  Church 
College,  which  were  ordered  to  be  paid  for  the  use  of  the  New  York  Col- 
lege, would  raise  public  disorder  when  his  Majesty's  interests,  on  account 
of  the  encroachments  of  the  French,  require  the  greatest  concord. 

16.  Because  if  there  were  a  necessity  for  the  said  Charter,  it  ought  to 
have  been  proposed  to  the  Assembly  at  their  last  session  (or  the  next 
one)  to  secure  an  Act  to  enable  the  Trustees  to  dispose  of  the  said 
moneys  for  the  purposes  for  which  the  Charter  was  intended.  The 
Trustees  cannot  apply  the  said  moneys  to  Trinity  Church  College  until 
empowered  so  to  do  by  the  Legislature. 

17.  Because  by  said  acts  certain  persons  are  appointed  for  the  appli- 
cation of  the  moneys,  but  in  the  Charter  other  persons  are  mentioned. 
Those  appointed  by  Act  cannot  surrender  moneys  to  those  appointed  by 
Charter,  as  that  would  be  delegating  a  power  which  is  not  transferable. 

18.  Smce  the  College  of  Trinity  Church  will  consist  of  other  Trustees, 
and  be  otherwise  incorporated  and  enjoy  other  powers  than  the  College 
of  New  York,  they  must  be  considered  as  totally  distinct.  But  two 
Colleges  are  useless.  Trinity  Church  College  is  set  up  in  opposition  to 
the  College  of  New  York.  The  encouragement  of  the  former  would  be  a 
violation  of  his  (Livingston's)  trust,  and  expose  him  to  censure. 


APPENDIX.  319 

19.  Because  he  (Livingston)  verily  believes  that  the  several  branches 
of  the  Legislature  reserved  solely  to  themselves  the  establishment  of 
the  plan  of  government  to  be  exercised  in  the  New  York  College,  as  they 
have  the  disposition  of  its  location  and  its  money. 

20.  Because  the  Trustees  appointed  by  said  acts,  who  consent  to  the 
appropriation  of  said  money  to  the  said  Trinity  Church  College,  may 
and  ought  to  be  accountable  for  the  same  out  of  their  own  pockets. 

May  16,  1754.  Wm.  Livingston. 

[On  May  16,  1754,  these  reasons  were  read  by  the  Trustees.  They 
were  also  included  in  his  Minority  Report  to  the  Legislature  on  Nov.  ist, 
1754.     But  the  Charter  for  King's  College  was  signed  the  day  before.] 

Page  65. 
10.    Livingston's  Bill. 

Nov.  6th,  1754.     Motion  of  William  Livingston. 

"  Resolved,  Nemine  contradicente.  That  this  House  will  not  consent  to 
any  disposition  of  moneys  raised  by  way  of  lottery  for  erecting  and  es- 
tablishing a  College  for  the  education  of  youth,  or  any  part  thereof,  in 
any  other  manner  whatsoev^er,  than  by  Act  or  Acts  of  the  Legislature  of 
this  Colony,  hereafter  to  be  passed  for  that  purpose." 

"  Mr.  Livingston  asked  for  leave  to  bring  in  a  bill  for  the  establishment 
and  incorporation  of  a  College  for  the  education  and  instruction  of  youth 
in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences." 

"  Ordered,  That  leave  be  given." 

Nov.  6,  1754.  The  bill  was  presented  and  read  the  first  time. 

Nov.  7.     Read  the  second  time. 

Extracts  from  the  Journal  of  the  Assembly  and  the  Proposed 
Bill  of  William  Livingston,  to  Incorporate  a  Free  College 
IN  the  City  of  New  York.  ySee  Corwin's  Manual,  ^d  ed.,  1879, 
P-  36.] 

The  Bill  is  dated  Nov.  26th,  1754,  and  may  be  found  in  full  on  the 
prmted  journal  of  the  Assembly,  \^ol.  ii,  p.p.  412-418. 

"  As  the  Bill,  entitled  '  An  Act  further  to  establish  and  incorporate 
a  College  within  this  Colony  for  the  education  and  instruction  of  youth 
in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,'  which  was  to  be  the  subject  of  this  day's 
deliberation,  is  of  the  utm.ost  consequence  to  the  people  we  have  the 
honor  to  represent,  with  respect  both  to  their  civil  and  religious 
liberties ;  and  the  season  of  the  year  being  so  far  advanced  as  not  to  ad- 
mit of  so  much  time  as  will  be  necessary  to  consider  all  the  parts  of  it 
with  that  attention  its  vast  importance  requires;  I  move  that  the  Com- 
mittee to  whom  the  said  Bill  is  referred,  be  discharged  from  proceeding 
thereon,  that  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  postponed  to 
the  next  meeting  of  the  House,  and  that  the  said  Bill  be  ordered  im- 
mediately to   be  printed  and  published,  that  in  the  meantime  we  may 


330  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

have  the  opportunity  of  knowing  the  general  sentiments  of  our  con- 
stituents on  this  great  and  important  concern. 

Ordered,  That  the  Committee  to  whom  the  said  Bill  is  referred,  be 
discharged  from  proceeding  thereon  ;  that  the  said  Bill  be  postponed  to 
the  next  meeting  of  this  House,  and  that  in  the  meantime  it  be  printed. 

Ordered,  That  James  Parker,  public  printer  for  this  Colony,  print  the 

said  Bill." 

(abstract.) 

The  Preamble  of  the  Bill  refers  to  an  Act  of  1752,  for  vesting  in 
Trustees  the  sum  of  ^3,443,  raised  by  lottery,  for  a  College  ;  that  the 
Trustees  were  to  put  out  this  money  at  interest,  and  receive  proposals 
from  any  cities  or  counties  which  might  desire  said  College. 

Also  to  an  Act  of  1753,  directing  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  Colony, 
from  moneys  derived  from  the  duty  on  excise  (according  to  an  Act  of 
17 1 3),  should  pay  annually  to  said  Trustees  the  sum  of  ^500  for  seven 
years  (beginning  on  Jan.  ist,  1754),  for  the  salaries  of  the  Masters  and 
Officers  of  said  College,  and  for  other  necessary  purposes,  provided  the 
whole  expense  should  not  exceed  ^{^500  per  year;  and  said  Trustees 
were  to  fix  the  salaries  and  cost  of  tuition  and  account  to  the  Governor, 
Council  and  Assembly. 

Also  to  an  Act  of  Dec.  27,  1753,  for  raising  £^,12^  by  lottery  for  said 
College;  out  of  which  15  per  cent,  upon  the  whole  number  of  fortunate 
tickets  was  to  be  paid  to  the  Trustees  for  said  College  : 

And  since  the  said  sums  were  sufficient  to  begin  said  College,  but  had 
not  been  applied  for  the  purposes  aforesaid ;  and  the  present  number  of 
Trustees  with  the  powers  granted  them,  were  not  sufficient  for  founding 
said  College,  and  for  advancing  and  protecting  the  means  of  education 
in  the  same,  and  therefore  the  design  of  the  Assembly  had  been  de- 
layed : 

And  since  the  establishment  of  the  said  College,  not  only  upon  the 
most  firm  and  permanent,  but  also  upon  the  most  ample,  extensive  and 
catholic  foundation  was  necessary  to  secure  its  prosperity  and  render  it 
a  universal  blessing  to  the  people  ;  and  these  ends  would  be  best  at- 
tained by  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  for  further  establishing  and  incorpor- 
ating said  College ;  therefore 

L  "  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Governor,  Council  and  Assembly,  that  the 
said  College  or  Seminary  of  Teaching  (intended  to  be  erected  by  the 
second  of  the  above  Acts),  is  hereby  fully,  completely  and  absolutely 
instituted,  erected  and  established  a  Public  College  or  Seminary,  for  the 
regular  instruction  and  improvement  of  youth  in  the  liberal  arts  and 
sciences,  and  to  continue  such  forever." 

n.  This  section  forbids  that  any  shall  be  Trustees  ex-officio. 

in.  Provides  for  Twenty-four  Trustees. 

IV.  That  so-and-so  shall  be  said  Trustees. 

V.  That  there  shall  be  one  Head  or  Master,  to  be  called  the  President, 
and  that ....  shall  be  said  President. 


APPENDIX.  821 

VI.  Constitutes  said  President  and  said  Trustees  a  Corporation,  under 
the  name  of  "The  President  and  Trusteesof  the  Provincial  College  of  New- 
York."  The  gifts,  etc.,  etc.,  are  only  to  be  "  in  force  "  upon  the  confirm- 
ation of  the  Governor,  Council  and  Assembly.  The  Trustees  may  not 
grant  away  any  part  of  the  estate  of  the  College,  without  the  consent  of 
the  Legislature. 

VII.  About  the  Treasurer. 

VIII.  Trustees  to  be  appointed  when  vacancies  occur,  by  Legislative 
Acts. 

IX.  President  and  Treasurer  to  be  appointed  only  by  Act  of  Legisla- 
ture. 

"  And  whereas  should  the  Government  of  the  said  College  be  put  in 
the  hands  or  under  the  direction  of  any  religious  sect  or  denomination 
whatsoever  within  this  Colony,  it  would  not  only  enkindle  animosities 
among  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  but  also  be  contradictory  to  the 
true  intent  and  meaning  of  the  Legislature  of  this  Colony,  in  raising 
and  providing  the  several  sums  above  mentioned  for  the  use  of  the 
said  College  ;  in  order,  therefore,  to  give  as  great  encouragement  as  pos-» 
sible  to  all  manner  of  persons,  of  every  Protestant  denomination  what- 
soever, to  afford  their  childern  an  education  in  said  College  ;  and  also 
in  order  that  no  religious  test  should  ever  prevail  in  said  College ;  and 
that  all  Protestants  whatever  in  said  College,  as  well  officers  and 
teachers  as  students,  may  enjoy  equal  privileges  in  religious  matters 
without  any  manner  of  discrimination,  and  that  the  intent  of  the  Legis- 
lature of  this  Province  may  be  the  better  answered  :" 

X.  "  Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  no  particu- 
lar religious  profession,  Church  or  denomination  whatever,  shall  be 
established  in  the  said  College ;  and  that  all  and  every  person  or  per- 
sons whatsoever,  of  any  Protestant  denomination  whatsoever," if  of 

proper  ability  may  occupy  and  hold  any  office    in   said  College,  and  that 
there  shall  be  no  religious  test  whatever  among  Protestants. 

XI.  Forbids  any  efforts  to  proselyte  pupils  from  one  sect  to  another; 
but  the  Trustees  may  make  such  by-laws  as  shall  require  students  to  at- 
tend public  worship  at  such  places  as  they  prefer. 

XII.  No  system  of  Divinity  shall  be  publicly  taught  in  said  College  ; 
no  Professors  of  Divinity  shall  ever  be  appointed  ;  nor  shall  the  Presi- 
dent or  Tutors  read  lectures  on  Divinity;  but  every  one  shall  be  left  to 
pursue  his  own  method  of  studying  the  Scriptures  : 

Provided  always  that  the  Rector,  &c.,  of  the  English  Church  of  the 
city  may  appoint  one  Professor  of  Divinity,  and  that  the  Dutch  Church 
of  the  city  may  appoint  one  Professor  of  Divinity,  for  privately  instruct- 
ing the  youth  of  their  respective  churches  in  the  doctrine  of  their  said 
churches ;  to  be  paid  by  each  of  them  out  of  the  Treasury  of  said  College. 

XIII.  All  officers  of  said  College  (excepting  Quakers)  shall  subscribe 
the  oath  of  allegiance  and  the  other  State  oaths;  and  also  the  following 
oath :  [the  purport  of  this  oath  is  that  they  will  faithfully  discharge  their 

21 


322  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

respective  duties].  But  Quakers  shall  take  the  affirmation  according  to 
the  form  provided  in  1734. 

XXVII.  The  College  can  confer  the  degree  of  A.  B.  and  A.  M.,  but  no 
other  degrees. 

XXXI.  That  Divine  worship  be  performed  every  morning  and  even- 
ing in  the  said  College  by  the  President  or  one  of  the  Tutors  ;  and  that, 
in  order  thereunto,  the  President  and  Trustees  of  said  College  shall 
draw  up  and  compose  such  a  formulary  for  the  said  morning  and  even- 
ing service  as  shall  be  least  exceptionable  to  the  several  denominations 
of  Christians  in  this  Province,  and  shall  report  the  same  to  the  Gover- 
nor, Council  and  Assembly  for  amendment  and  confirmation. 

There  are  XLII.  sections  in  all,  but  the  others  relate  to  matters  of 

detail. 

Page  66. 

II,  Letter  of    Rev.  Henry   Barclay  to    Rev.  Samuel   Johnson, 

Nov.  4,  1754. 
Dear  Sir  :  Mr.  Nicoll  being  obliged  to  go  out  of  town,  communicated 
your  letter  to  me  in  order  that  I  might  answer  it.  On  Thursday  last 
the  Charter  passed  the  Council  and  was  ordered  to  be  forthwith  engrossed. 
On  Friday,  the  Trustees  appointed  by  Act  of  Assembly  according  to 
order  of  the  House,  delivered  in  a  report  of  their  proceedings  conform- 
able to  the  Act,  which  report  was  signed  by  all  but  William  Livingston, 
who  objected  to  the  report  as  not  being  complete,  because  no  notice 
was  taken  of  the  proceedings  with  regard  to  the  Charter,  which  the 
Governor  and  the  rest  of  the  gentlemen  thought  unneccessary.  Where- 
upon Livingston  delivered  in  a  separate  report  in  full,  containing  his 
famous  protest,  etc.  This  occasioned  a  great  ferment  in  the  House, 
and  issued  for  that  day  in  a  resolve  that  Livingston's  Report  should  be 
printed  at  large,  and  the  affair  postponed  to  further  consideration  on 
Wednesday  next.  They  had  a  majority  of  14  to  8,  but  three  of  our 
friends  were  absent,  and  it  was  with  much  difficulty  that  they  were  pre- 
vented from  censuring  the  conduct  of  the  Trustees  and  returning  thanks 
to  Livingston.  We  were  all  afraid  that  this  would  have  retarded 
the  sealing  of  the  Charter,  and  some  well-wishers  to  the  thing  would 
have  consented  to  the  retarding  of  it  had  not  the  Governor  appeared 
resolute  and  come  to  town  on  Saturday,  and  fixed  the  seal  to  it.  And 
to  do  him  justice,  he  has  given  us  a  good  majority  of  Churchmen,  no 
less  than  eleven  of  the  vestry  being  of  the  number.  There  are  but  eight 
of  the  Dutch  Church,  most  of  them  good  men  and  true,  and  two  Dis- 
senters. We  are,  however,  puzzled  what  to  advise  you  as  to  resignmg 
your  mission.  I  have  been  with  Mr.  Chambers  this  morning,  and  though 
it  be  the  opinion  of  most  of  the  gentlemen  that  you  ought  to  resign  and 
trust  to  Providence  for  the  issue  of  things,  and  come  away  immediately, 
we  would  rather  choose,  if  possible,  that  you  should  put  off  the  resigna- 
tion for  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks,  and  come  down  immediately,  be- 


APPENDIX.  323 

cause  some  are  not  so  clear  with  regard  to  the  £500  support,  though 
others  think  we  cannot  be  deprived  of  it.  But  since  this  conversation 
with  Mr.  Chambers  we  have  had  some  glimmering  light.  I  went  from 
Mr.  Chambers'  to  Mr.  Watts'  (who  is  unhappily  confined  with  the 
rheumatism),  and  met  two  Dutch  members  coming  out  of  his  house, 
who,  as  he  told  me,  came  to  make  proposals  for  an  accommodation,  and 
all  they  desired  was  a  Dutch  Professor  of  Divinity,  which,  if  granted, 
they  would  all  join  us  and  give  the  money.  This,  I  doubt  not,  will  be 
done,  unless  the  Governor  should  oppose  it,  who  is  much  incensed  at 
the  Dutch  for  petitioning  the  Assembly  on  that  head,  but  I  make  no 
doubt,  he  may  be  pacified. 

Upon  the  whole  it  is  the  opinion  of  all  that  you  must  come  down  as 
soon  as  possible,  and  the  advice  of  Mr.  Chambers  and  myself,  in  which 
I  believe  Benny  concurs,  that  you  defer  the  resignation  of  your  mission 
a  little  longer,  as  it  will  be  the  means  of  getting  a  good  subscription  for 
your  support  in  case  this  accommodation  with  the  Assembly  should 
fail,  which,  however,  I  am  inclined  to  think  will  not  fail.  In  a  word,  it 
seems  you  have  put  your  hand  to  the  plow,  and  I  know  not  how  you 
can  now  look  back.  Providence,  I  trust,  is  still  on  our  side,  and  every- 
body is  solicitous  for  your  return. 

I  am,  dear  sir,  in  the  greatest  hurry. 

Yours,  etc..  Hen.  Barclay. 

I  have  not  time  to  give  vou  a  list  of  the  Governors,  nor  indeed  can  I 
recollect  them  all.  The  whole  number  is  forty-one — seventeen  cx-offi- 
cio,  and  twenty-four  private  gentlemen, — in  which  number  there  are  at 
present  but  eight  of  the  Dutch  Church,  the  French,  Lutheran,  Presby- 
terian ministers,  and  Will.  Livingston — so  that  we  have  a  majority  of 
twenty-nine  to  twelve,  and  in  these  twelve  are  included  Mr.  Richards, 
John  Cruger,  Leonard  Lispenard,  and  the  Treasurer,  all  our  good 
friends. 

Monday,  10  o'clock,  Nov.  4,  1754. — Beardsley's  Life  of  Johnson,  p.  195. 

Page  67. 

12.  Petition  of  Domine  Ritzema  to  the  Governor  and  Council 
FOR  Additional  Charter  for  a  Dutch  Professor  of  Divin- 
ity IN  King's  College. 

May  7th,  1755. 

Then  Mr.  Ritzema,  the  senior  minister  of  the  Reformed  Protestant 
Dutch  Church  in  this  city,  addressing  himself  to  his  Honour,  said  :  He 
returned  him  thanks  for  the  honour  he  had  done  him,  and  the  regard 
he  had  shown  to  the  Dutch  Church,  in  appointing  their  senior  minister 
for  the  time  being  one  of  the  Governors  of  the  College,  and  that  he 
hoped  he  should  acquit  himself  in  that  station  with  general  approba- 
tion. That  he  was  sorrj'  to  have  observed  the  differences  and  animosi- 
ties in  the  Province  touching  several  restrictions  in  the  Charter,  and 


324  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL, 

hoped  some  means  might  be  fallen  upon  to  heal  them.  That  he  appre- 
hended it  would  much  conduce  to  this  end  if  his  Honour  would  be 
pleased  to  grant,  either  by  addition  to  this  Charter,  or  in  such  manner 
as  should  be  thought  most  proper,  that  there  should  be  established  in 
said  College  a  Professor  in  Divinity  for  the  education  of  such  of  the 
youth  of  their  church  as  might  be  intended  for  the  ministry,  with  a  suit- 
able and  reasonable  allowance  or  salary,  and  to  be  chosen  by  the  Con- 
sistory of  that  Church  for  the  time  being,  which,  as  it  might  contribute 
to  the  prosperity  of  the  College,  he  thought  it  his  duty  to  request  his 
Honour  to  grant. 

His  Honour  replied  he  approved  of  what  Mr.  Ritzema  had  requested, 
and  if  the  Governors  who  had  now  the  management  of  the  College 
would  make  application  to  him,  he  was  very  ready  to  grant  it. 

The  Governors  thereupon  unanimously  declared  their  approbation* 
and  agreed  that  a  petition  be  prepared  and  presented  to  his  Honour 
accordingly. 

Upon  which  it  was  resolved  that  Mr.  Barclay,  Mr.  Ritzema,  Mr. 
Henry  Cruger,  Mr.  Watts  and  Mr.  Richard,  or  any  three  or  more  of 
them,  be  a  Committee  to  prepare  the  said  Petition  against  the  next 
meeting. 

Second  Tuesday  of  May,  1755  (May  13). 

Committee  presented  a  Report ^which  was  read  and  approved  and 
signed  by  the  Governors. 

REPORT. 

Second  Tuesday  of  May,  1755. 

The  Reverend  Mr.  Henry  Barclay,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed on  the  seventh  instant  to  prepare  a  Petition  to  his  Honour  the 
Lieutenant  Governor,  for  establishing  a  Dutch  Professor  in  Divinity  in 
the  College  reported  that  they  had  prepared  the  said  Petition  which, 
being  read  and  approved  of  is  in  the  words  following  (to  witt)  :  To  the 
Honourable  James  De  Lancey,  Esq.,  his  Majesty's  Lieut.  Governor  and 
Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Province  of  New  York  and  Territories  there- 
on depending  in  Councill.  The  Petition  of  the  Governours  of  the  Col- 
lege of  the  Province  of  New  York  in  the  City  of  New  York  in  America, 
Humbly  Sheweth  That  whereas  by  his  Majesty's  Letters  Patent  of  In- 
corporation bearing  date  the  31st  of  October,  1754,  the  sole  power  of 
electing  Professors  of  the  College  is  vested  in  the  Governors,  and  that 
they  conceive  it  will  tend  to  the  prosperity  of  the  College  and  the  in- 
crease of  the  number  of  students,  if  provision  could  be  made  for  estab- 
lishing a  Professorship  in  Divinity  for  the  instruction  of  such  Youth  as 
may  intend  to  devote  themselves  to  the  sacred  Ministry  in  those 
Churches  in  this  Province  that  are  in  Communion  with  and  conform  to 
the  Doctrine,  discipline  and  Worship  established  in  the  United  Prov- 
inces by  the  National  Synod  of  Dort,  and  any  other  Students  that  may 


APPENDIX.  325 

be  desirous  to  attend  his  Lectures  :  Your  Honour's  Petitioners  there- 
fore humbly  pray  that  an  Additional  Charter  be  Granted  them  for  that 
Purpose  and  that  the  nomination  of  such  a  Professor  from  time  to  time 
be  in  the  Minister,  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant 
Dutch  Church  in  this  City  and  the  same  established  in  such  manner  as 
shall  seem  best  to  your  Honour.  And  Your  Petitioners  as  in  duty  bound 
shall  ever  pray. 

Wm.  Kempe,  A.  D.  Peyster,  Hen.  Barclay,  Joannes  Ritzema,  John 
Albert  Weygand,  Joannes  Carle,  Samuel  Johnson,  Josiah  Martin,  Paul 
Richard,  Hen.  Cruger,  Jno.  Watts,  Henry  Beekman,  Philip  Ver  Planck, 
Fred.  Philipse,  Jos.  Robinson,  John  Cruger,  James  Livingston,  B.  Nicol, 
Jos.  Reade,  Nath'l  Marston,  Joseph  Haynes,  Jno.  Livingston,  David 
Clarkson,  Leonard  Lispenard,  James  De  Lancey. 

New  York,  May  ij^th,  1755. 

Ordered  that  the  Committee  who  prepared  the  said  Petition  be  a 
Committee  to  wait  upon  his  Honour  the  Lieutenant  Governor  with  the 
same,  and  to  solicit  the  Grant  mentioned  in  the  said  Petition. 

Page  67. 
13.    Action  on  Said  Petition. 

Council  Minutes  vol.  23,  p.  276,  M. 

At  a  Council  held  at  Fort  George,  in  the  City  of  New  York,  on  Mon- 
day, the  nineteenth  day  of  May,  1755. 

Present,  The  Honorable  James  De  Lancey,  Esq,  Lieut. -Gov.,  etc. 
Mr.  Alexander,  Mr.  Holland, 

Mr.  Kennedy,  Mr.  Chambers, 

Mr.  Murray. 

After  recapitulating  the  petition,  the  following  is  the  action  of  the 
Council  : 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Petition  be  referred  to  the  Gentlemen  of  the 
Council,  or  any  five  of  them. 

The  Governor  withdrawing,  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Council  resolved 
into  a  Committee  on  the  said  Petition,  and  being  agreed  upon  their  re- 
port. His  Honour  returned  and  took  his  seat. 

Then  Mr.  Holland,  Chairman  of  the  said  Committee  in  his  place,  re- 
ported that  the  Committee  had  duly  weighed  and  considered  the  said 
Petition,  and  were  humbly  of  opinion  his  Honour  might  [grant]  the 
prayer  thereof. 

Which  report  on  the  question  being  put,  was  agreed  to  and  approved 
of. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  Petition  and  the  proceedings  there- 
upon in  Council  be  made  out  for,  and  delivered  to  the  Attorney-General 
with  a  warrant  directing  him  to  prepare  a  draft  of  a  charter  pursuant  to 
the  prayer  of  the  said  Petition,  and  to  lay  the  same  before  this  Board 
for  their  approbation. 


326  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

June  3D,  1755. 

Mr.  Banyar,  Deputy  Secretary  of  this  Province  from  his  Honour  the 
Lieutenant  Governor  presented  his  Majestie's  Additional  Charter  to  the 
Governors  of  the  College  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  in  the  Citv  of 
New  York  in  America,  for  establishing  a  Professor  in  Divinity  in  the 
said  College  according  to  the  Doctrine,  Discipline  and  Worship  estab- 
lished by  the  National  Synod  of  Dort,  and  then  withdrew. 

The  said  Additional  Charter  being  read  :     It  was  thereupon 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer,  Mr.  Barclay,  Mr.  Ritzema,  Dr.  Johnson 
and  Mr.  Lispenard  be  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  his  Honor  the  Lieut. 
Governor,  to  return  him  the  thanks  of  this  Board  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Additional  Charter  be  lodged  with  the  Treas- 
surer  of  the  Corporation  ;  which  was  delivered  to  him  accordingly. 

At  a  Council,  etc.,  etc.,  the  30th  of  May,  1755. 

Present,  the  Honorable  James  De  Lancey,  Esq.,  Lieut.-Gov.,  etc. 
Mr.  Kennedy,  Mr.  Chambers, 

Mr.  Murray,  Mr.  Smith, 

Mr.  Holland. 

The  draft  of  an  additional  charter  to  the  Governors  of  the  College  of 
the  Province  of  New  York,  in  the  City  of  New  York,  in  America,  for  es- 
tablishing a  Professorship  in  Divinity  for  the  instruction  of  such  youth 
as  may  intend  to  devote  themselves  to  the  ministry  in  these  Churches  in 
this  Province  that  are  in  communion  with  and  conform  to  the  doctrine, 
discipline  and  worship  established  in  the  United  Provinces  by  the 
National  Synod  of  Dort,  and  any  other  students  that  maybe  desirous  to 
attend  his  lectures  was  laid  before  the  Board,  read  and  approved  of, 
and  the  Council  humbly  advised  his  Honour  to  fix  the  seal  of  the  Pro- 
vince to  the  same  when  engrossed  and  prepared  for  it. 

At  a  Council,  etc,  etc.,  the  5th  of  June,  1755. 

Present, 

Ordered,  That  the  additional  charter  granted  to  the  Governors  of  the 
College  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  in  the  City  of  New  York,  in 
America,  for  theestablishinga  Dutch  Professorship  in  Divinity  be  printed. 

Page  68. 

14.  Petition  of  the  Governors  [of  Kings  College]  to  the  As- 
sembly, FOR  THE  Moneys  Raised  by  Lotteries  for  a  Col- 
lege, 1755. 

[From  the  Journal  of  the  Assembly,  Vol.  II.,  pp.  446-7,  June  12,  ly^s-] 

A  petition  of  sundry  of  the  Governors  of  the  College  of  the  Province 
of  New  York,  in  the  City  of  New  York,  in  America,  was  presented  to  the 
House  and  read,  setting  forth  that  for  some  time  past  several  consider- 
able sums  of  money  had  been  raised  in  this  Colony  by  public  lotteries 
and  the  duties  on  excise,  which  was,  by  Acts  of  the  Legislature,  vested 


APPENDIX.  327 

In  Trustees,  and  appropriated  for  the  founding  and  erecting  and  estab- 
lishing a  College  or  Seminary  of  learning,  for  the  education  and  in- 
struction of  youth  ;  that  the  said  Trustees  in  consequence  of  their 
appointment,  and  of  the  Acts  of  the  Assembly  aforesaid,  did  about  a 
twelve-month  since  open  a  Public  Seminar)',  under  the  care  and  direction 
of  the  Reverend  Samuel  Johnson,  whom  they  invited  and  called  from 
Stratford,  in  New  England,  as  President,  to  begin  and  carry  on  the 
same;  but  finding  the  advancement  of  the  said  Seminary  would  be 
greatly  retarded  for  want  of  several  powers  and  privileges  with  which 
the  neighboring  Seminaries  were  vested,  such  as  making  laws  for  the 
good  government  of  the  students,  and  conferring  degrees  and  honors, 
such  as  are  usually  granted  by  Colleges,  did  therefore  petition  his  Honor, 
the  Lieutenant-Governor  in  Council,  and  obtam  his  Majesty's  Letters- 
patent  of  incorporation,  granting  unto  the  petitioners  the  powers  and 
privileges  aforesaid,  whereby  there  is  now  the  greatest  prospect  of  suc- 
cess, and  it  is  hoped  that  by  some  future  assistance  and  encouragement 
it  will  fully  answer  the  good  and  laudable  intentions  of  the  Legislature  ; 
that  the  said  petitioners,  considering  it  would  tend  to  the  promoting  of 
said  College  to  have  a  Professor  of  Divinity  therein,  in  communion  with 
and  conforming  to  the  doctrine,  discipline  and  worship  established  in  the 
United  Provinces  by  the  National  Synod  of  Dort,  for  the  benefit  of  such 
students  as  may  intend  for  the  Sacred  Ministry,  or  such  others  as  may- 
be desirous  to  attend  his  lectures,  petitioned  his  Honor,  the  Lieutenant- 
Governor  in  Council,  for  his  Majesty's  additional  Letters-Patent  for  that 
purpose,  which  were  readily  granted,-  whereby  the  nomination  and  ap- 
pointment of  such  Professor  is  vested  in  the  Ministers,  Elders  and  Dea- 
cons of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  this  City ;  and  the 
said  Professor  is  to  enjoy  the  same  rights  and  privileges  as  other  Pro- 
fessors in  the  said  College,  as  in  and  by  the  said  Charter,  ready  to  be 
produced,  will  more  fully  at  large  appear ;  that  upon  the  petitioners  be- 
ing sworn  and  qualified  to  execute  the  office  of  Governors  of  said  Col- 
lege, the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  New  York,  in  communion 
of  the  Church  of  England,  as  by  law  established,  did,  for  the  encourage- 
ment, promoting  and  forwarding  the  said  good  design,  execute  and 
deliver  unto  them  the  legal  conveyances  for  a  certain  parcel  of  land  in 
the  West  Ward  of  this  City,  of  upwards  of  ^3,000  value,  which  they  gen- 
erously offered  and  set  apart  for  that  purpose,  being  most  pleasantly 
and  conveniently  situated  for  the  building  and  use  of  a  College  ;  that 
the  petitioners,  being  sensible  of  the  advantages  of  a  free  and  generous 
education  ol  youth  in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  to  the  Province  in 
general,  as  well  as  to  this  City  in  particular,  are  ready  and  willing  to  the 
utmost  of  their  power  faithfully  to  execute  the  trust  reposed  in  them  ;  and 
therefore  humbly  praying  the  Honorable  House  will  at  all  times  assist, 
protect  and  countenance  them  therein,  and  particularly  that  they  will 
be  favorably  pleased  to  pass  a  bill  in  order  to  vest  in  the  petitioners  for 
the  uses  aforesaid  the  several  sums  of  money  so  as  aforesaid  raised  by 


328  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

public  lottery,  and  the  duties  on  excise,  with  the  increase  or  profit  aris- 
ing thereby  ;  and  also  grant  unto  them  such  further  and  other  assistance 
and  encouragement  the  better  to  enable  them  to  carry  on  the  useful 
■work  aforesaid,  as  to  the  Honorable  House  shall  seem  reasonable  and 
consistent  with  the  public  good. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Cornell  to  postpone  to  the  next  meeting 
of  this  House,  after  the  first  day  September  next,  and  the  question  being 
put  thereon  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner  following  : 
affirmative,  ii  ;  negative,  9.     [The  names  are  given  in  the  Journal.] 

After  a  warm  and  protracted  debate  of  a  year  it  was  ordered  that  one- 
half  of  these  moneys  be  given  to  the  College,  and  the  other  half  to  the 
Corporation  of  the  City  of  New  York.     {Corwifis  Manual,  -^d  ed.,  1879, 

J>-  37.) 

Page  68. 

15.    The  Dutch  Church  of  New  York  and  Ritzema. 

When  Domine  Ritzema's  amendment  to  the  charter  of  the  College  be- 
came known  to  the  public,  there  was  much  dissatisfaction  with  it,  even 
in  his  own  church.  His  consistory  entered  a  complaint  August  11,  1755. 
against  his  course  of  conduct  in  this  respect,  and  ordered  it  to  be  en- 
tered on  their  records.  As  this  is  an  important  document  for  the  un- 
derstanding of  this  whole  matter,  and  it  is  difficult  fairly  to  condense  it, 
we  give  it  entire.  This  is  also  necessary  in  vindication  of  the  Church  of 
New  York.  It  will  be  observed  that  it  somewhat  modifies  the  preceding 
history,  as  gathered  from  other  documents. 

Complaint  of  the  Church  of  New  York  against  Ritzema. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  consistory  of  New  York,  one  of  the  members  pre- 
sented a  writing,  with  a  request  that  it  should  be  read  to  the  meeting  ; 
which  having  been  done,  it  was  by  a  majority  vote  ordered  to  be  recorded 
in  the  church  book,  and  for  this  purpose  given  to  the  President.  It  runs 
thus : 

"  A  testimony  and  declaration  in  writing  of  the  elders,  deacons  and 
church-masters  of  the  Low  Dutch  Reformed  Protestant  Congregation 
in  the  City  of  New  York. 

"After  that  the  consistory,  in  the  year  1754,  had  presented  a  request 
to  the  Hon.  House  of  Assembly,  in  their  own  name  and  that  of  the  other 
Low  Dutch  Congregations  in  the  Province  of  New  York,  asking  certain 
rights  or  privileges  in  the  Provincial  Academy  or  College  which  they 
were  about  to  establish  among  us,  and  had  obtained  a  favorable  reply 
thereto ;  it  was  thought  proper  to  leave  the  matter  to  their  Honors 
prudence  and  wisdom,  not  doubting  that  they,  with  the  consent  of  the 
Lieutenant-Governor  and  the  High  Council,  would  lay  the  foundation 
and  the  principles  of  the  said  Academy  in  such  a  way  that  the  Low 
Dutch  Reformed  congregations  here,  as  well  as  others,  would  acquiesce 
therein  with  joy  and  satisfaction,  and  be  animated  to  do  their  utmost 


APPENDIX.  329 

for  its  upbuilding  and  advancement,  with  unity  and  brotherly  love,  bind- 
ing hearts  and  hands  together  with  all  who  sought  to  further  the  welfare 
and  success  of  the  same. 

"  And  seeing  that  since  that  time  some  persons  have  obtained  a  char- 
ter for  a  College  for  the  English  Church,  whose  fundamental  articles  are 
opposed  to  the  object  of  the  Provincial  Academy,  and  which  is  so  strictly 
limited  that  almost  no  privileges  or  liberties  are  left  to  induce  other  de- 
nominations to  unite  with  them,  but  only  a  small  number  of  Trustees  or 
Governors  of  the  College  who  are  not  of  that  Church,  who  can  easily 
be  overborne  in  voting  by  those  of  the  English  Church,  which  has  given 
much  olTence  and  dissatisfaction  here,  especially  to  those  who  have  at 
heart  their  rights  and  privileges. 

"  This  being  so,  notwithstanding  Domine  John  Ritzema,  as  the  oldest 
minister  of  our  congregation  at  New  York,  allowed  himself  to  qualify  as 
one  of  the  Governors  of  the  said  College,  and  took  an  oath  to  seek  the 
prosperity  of  the  same,  all  without  the  knowledge,  advice  or  consent  of 
the  consistory,  nay  against  their  will  and  purpose,  and  used  all  diligence 
to  establish  said  College,  together  with  a  pressure  to  obtain  an  addition 
to  the  charter,  providing  a  Dutch  Professor  for  the  Low  Dutch  people  ; 
which  addition,  when  obtained,  is  of  no  essential  advantage,  being  so 
limited  that  the  said  Governors,  or  the  majority  of  fifteen  of  them,  may, 
according  to  their  pleasure,  under  pretence  of  misconduct,  suspend  the 
Dutch  Professor,  or  even  displace  him  from  his  office,  without  any  liberty 
of  appeal ;  and,  under  the  appearances  of  liberties  allowed  to  the  Low 
Dutch  Church,  they  seek  to  move  the  members  of  the  Hon.  House  of 
Assembly,  by  a  request  or  petition,  to  bestow  the  public  money  on  the 
said  English  Church  College,  which  request  or  petition,  was  signed  by 
Dominie  Ritzema,  as  one  of  the  Governors,  and  thereby  he  instigated 
the  Assembly  to  confirm  and  ratify  the  said  charter. 

And  seeing  that  we,  the  present  ruling  consistory,  being  by  God's 
providence  chosen  over  this  congregation  to  watch  for  its  welfare,  and 
as  far  as  possible  hinder  any  discord  or  perversity,  we  can  not  with  a 
good  conscience  omit  to  have  noted  in  the  church-book  the  following 
testimonies,  in  order  that  every  one  of  our  congregation  and  those  who 
come  after  us,  may  know  our  solemn  convictions  of  the  imprudent  con- 
duct of  Domine  John  Ritzema,  and  also  because  our  silence  in  so  weighty 
a  matter  might  be  taken  for  a  consent  and  approval.  Therefore  we 
testify — 

"  I.  That  Domine  John  Ritzema,  in  allowing  himself  to  be  qualified 
as  governor  or  overseer  of  said  English  Charter  College,  did  this  with- 
out our  knowledge,  and  therefore  without  the  advice,  counsel  or  consent 
of  the  consistory. 

"  2.  That  the  addition  to  said  charter,  which  was  obtained  by  means 
of  his  reverence,  and  is  said  to  contam  full  privileges  for  our  congrega- 
tion, was  prepared  incontestably  without  our  knowledge,  advice  or  coun- 
sel, and  in  no  respect  answers  to  our  conception  of  what  would  be  ad- 


330  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

vantageous  for  the  upbuilding  of  our  church,  and  is  dearly  bought  since 
it  is  so  fettered  by  the  jurisdiction  of  other  parties  that  the  liberties  and 
rights  therein  given  to  the  Low  Church  are  nothing  but  a  fair  show. 

"  3.  That  the  aforesaid  conduct  of  his  reverence  with  the  gentlemen 
of  the  English  Church,  in  a  matter  of  so  great  importance  to  our  con- 
gregation, without  the  knowledge  or  counsel  of  the  consistory,  is  con- 
trary to  our  expectation,  against  the  close  bonds  which  ought  to  exist 
between  consistory  and  minister,  against  the  indispensable  respect  which 
he  ought  to  show  to  the  consistory,  against  brotherly  love,  and  against 
the  unity  and  peace  of  our  congregation. 

"4.  That  the  strife  and  discord  which  have  arisen  upon  his  course,  his 
reverence  alone  is  the  cause  and  author  of. 

"  Set  down,  according  to  the  resolution  of  the  consistory,  this  eleventh 
of  August,  1755.     In  the  name  of  all.  (Signed,) 

"  Lambertus  De  Ronde,  Pres." 

Reply  of  Ritzema  to  the  Coniplaiitt. 

Domine  Ritzema  presented  an  answer  to  the  foregoing  writing  of 
the  elders,  deacons  and  churchmasters,  which,  after  deliberation,  it  was 
thought  proper  to  record,  and  it  was  given  to  the  President  for  that 
purpose.     It  is  as  follows  : 

"  Although  it  is  enough  for  me  to  find  myself  able  to  refute  the  great- 
est part  of  this  paper,  yet,  smce  the  convictions  of  conscience  concern- 
ing truth  and  falsehood  are  so  different,  I  must,  against  my  inclinations, 
mingle  in  wearisome  contentions.  I  leave  the  judgment  of  this  paper 
to  the  consideration  of  those  before  whom  it  comes  for  consideration, 
and  content  myself  with  peacefully  saying — 

"  I.  That  I  had  full  power  and  authority  for  all  that  I  did. 

"2.  That  I,  in  this  matter,  never  attacked  the  consistory,  (or  any  one 
else,)  either  in  their  person  or  their  offices,  much  less  the  privileges  of 
my  Church,  If  the  gentlemen  consider  it  their  duty  to  watch  over  the 
welfare  of  the  congregation,  not  less  do  I  consider  it  mine,  as  I  think  I 
have  shown  in  the  acquiring  of  such  a  privilege,  which  will  be  sufficient 
till  a  late  posterity,  not  only  for  the  preservation  but  for  the  extension 
of  our  Low  Dutch  Reformed  doctrine  and  discipline. 

"3.  As  to  the  privilege  itself,  I  did  not  mention  it  to  any  of  your  mem- 
bers, because  it  had  not  reached  the  consummation  to  which  I  thought 
to  bring  it — much  less  could  I  obtrude  it  upon  them.  If  it  was  not  ac- 
ceptable, it  could  better  be  left  where  it  was,  till  men  saw  in  it  the  ad- 
vantage I  did,  since  no  one  was  prejudiced  by  my  attempt. 

"  4.  If  the  gentlemen  (to  pass  by  other  matters  now)  have  the  right, 
according  to  their  conscience,  to  say  what  is  stated  in  article  4,  I  hope 
they  will  not  take  it  ill  that  I,  according  to  my  conscience,  apply  it  to 
those  from  whom  it  came. 

"I  hope  then.  Rev.  sirs,  that  this  paper  also  will  be  preserved  for  poster- 
ity, that  they  may  know  wherein  I  have  sinned,  wherefore  I  have  de- 


APPENDIX.  331 

served  to  be  so  miserably  beaten  and  branded  as  if  I  had  betrayed  the 
Church  and  made  sale  of  her  privileges ;  which,  however,  I  never  cease 
to  maintain  ;  and  I  entreat  my  God  that  he  would  make  me  faithful  to 
fultill  the  ministry  which  I  have  undertaken  in  the  Lord,  from  whom  my 
reward  shall  come,  even  as  I  am  confident  that  he  will  never  leave  nor 
forsake  his  own.  "(Signed,) 


"  J.  RiTZEMA." 


Presented  Aug.  12,  1755. 


Note  ii.    Page  69.    • 

Frelinghuvsen's  Commission. 

"  Our  Salutation  in  the  Lord  to  all  who  may  Read  this  Letter. 

"  (May,  1755.) — Inasmuch  as  it  is  expedient,  for  the  glory  of  God,  and 
conducive  to  the  salvation  of  men,  to  establish  in  these  recently  inhab- 
ited ends  of  the  earth  seminaries  of  true  philosophy  as  well  as  of  sound 
doctrine,  that  men  maybe  imbued  with  the  principlesof  human  wisdom, 
virtue  and  unostentatious  piety  :  Therefore,  we,  pastors  and  elders  of 
the  Reformed  Church  of  both  provinces,  viz.,  of  New  York  and  New 
Jersey,  in  North  America,  being  assembled  in  a  Coetus,  and  having  es- 
tablished an  alliance  among  ourselves,  do  resolve  in  these  present  criti- 
cal times  to  strive  with  all  our  energy,  and  in  the  fear  of  God,  to  plant 
a  university  or  seminary  for  young  men  destined  for  study  in  the  learned 
languages  and  in  the  liberal  arts,  and  who  are  to  be  instructed  in  the 
philosophical  sciences  ;  also  that  it  may  be  a  school  of  the  prophets  in 
which  young  Levites  and  Nazarites  of  God  may  be  prepared  to  enter 
upon  the  sacred  ministerial  office  in  the  Church  of  God.  Indeed,  be- 
cause our  country  is  yet  new,  and  not  possessed  of  so  great  wealth  as  is 
required  for  the  work  prescribed,  t/icrcfore,  we  earnestly  beseech  all  the 
well  disposed,  and  implore  them  to  be  willing  to  help  us  with  the  power 
of  money,  by  giving  something  for  the  promotion  of  this  great  and 
peculiarly  necessary  work  which  we  have  undertaken  ;  and  we  hereby 
delegate  and  do  appoint,  by  our  authority  and  this  present  instrument, 
the  Rev.  Domine  Theodore  Frelinghuysen,  the  very  faithful  pastor  of 
the  Reformed  Church  at  Albany,  to  present  our  most  humble  petition 
wherever  the  providence  of  God  may  open  up  a  way,  and  to  explain 
more  fully  the  weighty  reasons  of  this  our  proposition  ;  to  receive  dona- 
tions, and  in  all  circumstances  to  act  as  may  seem  good  to  him  and 
necessary  for  the  furtherance  of  the  matter  above  mentioned.  He  will 
also  give,  in  behalf  of  the  brethren  united  in  this  alliance,  an  exact  ac- 
count of  all  things.  We  therefore  pray  that  the  all-sufficient  God  will 
give  him  a  pleasant  voyage  across  the  ocean  and  a  prosperous  return, 
and  will  open  the  hearts  and  the  hands  of  the  well  disposed,  and  boun- 
tifully reward  them  for  their  gifts  contributed  to  us,  both  in  this  world 
and  in  the  world  to  come. 


333  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

"  Done  in  our  Coetus  Convention,  held  in  New  York  on  the  thirtieth 
day  of  May,  1755.  In  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  whole  Coetus. 
ReinhartErickzon,/. /.,  President.  Samuel  Verbryck. 

Johannes  Leydt,/./.,  Scribe.  David  Marinus. 

Benjamin  Meynema.  Barent  Vrooman. 

Ulpiandis  Van  Sinderin.  Johannes  Schuneman. 

Johannes  Henricus  Goetschius.  Thomas  Romeyn." 
J.  C.  Fryenmoet. 

[Note — For  the  original  Latin  see  Corwiti's  Manual,  2d  ed.,  1869.] 


Note  12.    Page  70. 

Call  for  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of   Queen's   College,  on 
THE  Second  Tuesday  of  May,  1767. 

[From  the  New  York  Mercury  of  the  following  dates,  viz.,  April  20,  27,  May  4th,  1767.] 

Bergen  County,  Apr.  4th,  1767. 
i>F/;^r^rt5,  a  number  of  Dutch  Ministers  and  Elders  have  taken  into 
serious  consideration  the  many  and  dangerous  inconveniences  and 
abuses  which  have  crept  into  their  churches,  whereby  the  progress  of 
true  Christianity  and  knowledge  and  practice  is  obstructed,  and  with 
which  they  have  been  grievously  inflicted  these  many  years  ;  and  being 
desirous  to  rectify  them  and  restore  their  Church  to  its  ancient  and 
proper  lustre  and  dignity,  after  solemn  humiliations,  fastings  and 
prayers  before  the  Throne  of  Grace,  with  all  those  among  their  flocks 
who  thought  proper  to  join  them  ;  agreed  at  last  to,  and  judged  it  the 
only  remaining  remedy,  to  erect  a  Seminary  or  College,  in  which  the 
American  youth  might  be  regularly  educated,  and  after  the  manner  and 
custom  of  the  United  Provinces,  and  other  Protestant  Reformed  Euro- 
pean Churches  wherefrom  their  ancestors  proceeded  ;  and  to  dedicate 
the  most  pious  and  capable  to  the  weighty  Gospel  function  whereby  the 
usefulness  and  happmess  of  the  numerous  Body  of  the  Dutch  people 
might  be  completed  in  respect  to  their  loyalty,  industry  and  Christian 
Religion.  It  also  pleased  the  King  of  Kings,  in  whose  hands  the  hearts 
of  Kings  are,  and  who  promised  that  their  Kings  should  be  nursing 
Fathers,  and  their  Queens  nursing  mothers  to  the  Church,  to  favor  the 
humble  address  of  the  Ministers  and  Elders,  to  his  Excellency,  William 
Franklin,  Esq.,  Governor  and  Commander-in-Chief  in  and  over  his 
Majesty's  Province  of  New  Jersey,  etc.,  whereby  they  have  obtained  his 
Majesty's  Letters-patent  and  Charter,  or  Royal  Grant,  bearing  date  the 
loth  day  of  November,  1766,  to  erect  a  College  called  Queen's  College, 
in  the  Province  of  New  Jersey,  and  a  Corporation  or  Body  Politic,  to- 
gether with  all  the  privileges,  powers,  authorities  and  rights  belonging 
thereunto,  as  is  customary  and  lawful  in  any  College  in  his  Majesty's 
Realm  of  Great  Britain  ;  the  sacred  trust  of  which  is  committed  to  the 
care  and  integrity  of  these  following  worthy  and  eminent  gentlemen,  in 


APPENDIX.  833 

company  with  a  sufficient  number  of  Mmisters  of  the  Gospel,  residing 
in  this  and  the  two  adjacent  Governments,  created  and  constituted  to  be 
Governors  and  Trustees  of  said  Queens  College  ;  namely  : 

Of  the  City  of  New  York, 
Simon  Johnson,  Esq.,  Theodorus  Van  Wyck,  Esq., 

Philip  Livingston,  Esq.,  Abram  Lott,  Esq. 

Of  the  Provmce. 
Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  Bart.,  Jacob  H.  Ten  Eyck,  Esq., 

Robert  Livingston,  Esq.,  Col.  Abram  Herring, 

Col.  Johannis  Hardenberg,  Isaac  Vrooman,  Esq., 

Col.  Abram  Hasbroeck,  Bernardus  Ryder,  Esq. 

Levi  Paaling,  Esq.,  Rev.  Samuel  Verbryck,  Tappaan, 

Col.  Jas.  Brinckerhoff,  Rev.  Eilardus  Westerlo,  Albany, 

Col.  Nicholas  Stillwell,  Rev.  John  Schuneman,  Catskill, 

Col.  Matthew  Hoffman,  Rev.  M.  Goetschius,  New  Paltz, 

Rev.  Barent  Vrooman,  Schenectady. 

Of  the  Province  of  New  fersey. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor,  "^  P       , 

The  President  of  the  Council,  ]  *•_„ 

L  time 

The  Honorable,  the  Chief  Justice,     j  <    • 

The  Attorney-General.  J 

Peter  Hassenclever,  Rev.  John  Lyt,  Brunswick, 

Hendrick  Fisher,  Esq.,  Rev.  David  Marinus,  Achquegke- 
Philip  French,  nonk, 

John  Van  Metern,  Rev.  Martinus  Van  Harlingen, 

Peter  Schenck.  Rev.  Jacob  Rutse  Hardenberg,  at 
Peter  Zabriskie,  Esq.,  Raritan, 

Tuynes  Dye,  Esq.,  Rev.  Wm.  Jackson,  Bergen, 

Hendrick  Kuypers.  Esq.,  Rev.  P.  Wyberg,  Philadelphia, 
Rev.  John  H.  Goetschius,  Hacken-     Rev.  Jonathan  Du  Bois,  Bucks,  in 
sack,  Pennsylvania. 

It  is  also  ordered  and  directed,  in  the  same  Royal  Patent,  that  the 
first  meeting  of  the  said  Trustees  shall  be  held  at  or  near  the  County 
House  of  New  Barbadoes,  or  Hackensack  town,  in  Bergen  County,  on 
the  second  Tuesday  of  May  next,  where  and  when  said  Trustees  are  to 
be  properly  and  duly  qualified  by  any  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  Supreme 
Court,  or  Judges  of  the  Inferior  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  of  the  Colony 
of  New  Jersey,  before  they  proceed  to  any  business. 

I,  therefore,  the  subscriber,  with  the  advice  of  others,  do  by  these 
presents  give  public  notice  of  the  said  meeting,  and  with  all  due  sub- 
mission and  respect  to  the  above-named  gentlemen,  I  invite  them  and 
humbly  crave  their  presence  and  condescension  to  such  a  necessary  and 
salutar)'  though  laborious  task,  putting  them  in  remembrance  of  the 


334  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL, 

words  of  the  holy  apostle  Paul  to  the  Hebrews,  chap,  vi :  lo,  "  For  God 
is  not  unrighteous  to  forget  your  work  and  labor  of  love,  which  ye  have 
showed  toward  his  name,  in  that  ye  have  ministered  to  the  saints,  and 
do  minister,  John  H.  Go-etschius,  V.  D.  M. 


Note  13.    Page  73. 

Extract   from   a  Letter  of   the   Classis   of    Amsterdam  to 
Both  Coetus  and  Conferentie,  1768. 

Since  we,  in  our  previous  letter,  as  early  as  June  6th,  of  the  present 
year  (received,  we  hope,  by  you),  gave  some  hint  of  a  plan,  conceived  by 
us,  for  the  promotion  of  the  desired  union  of  the,  to  our  grief,  still  di- 
vided and  sadly  rent  Brotherhood ;  and  since,  if  these  divisions  con- 
tinue, in  the  midst  of  a  multitude  of  sects  and  persuasions,  the  eflfect  on 
the  upbuilding  of  God's  Church  in  these  Provinces  must  be  disastrous, 
therefore,  we  feel  bound  to  give  a  further  account,  not  only  of  our 
progress  in  the  matter,  but  of  the  import  and  details  of  the  plan. 

As  to  the  first,  we,  in  presenting  our  plan  to  the  Christian  Synod, 
showed,  by  conclusive  arguments  drawn  from  the  present  state  of 
things,  that  some  change  should  be  made  in  the  resolution  of  the  Synod 
of  1763,  and  so  the  means  of  remedy  be  secured. 

Our  plan,  having  been  read  in  the  Synod,  was  laid  on  the  table  for 
further  consideration.  But  it  obtained  the  approval  of  the  Hon.  Com- 
missarii  politici,  and  they  urged  the  respective  Classes  to  convert  it  at 
once  into  a  resolution  of  Synod.  But  the  delegates  of  the  respective 
classes  excused  themselves  on  the  ground  that  they  could  not  take 
final  action  on  a  question  of  such  importance,  and  with  which  they  had 
not  been  charged  by  their  constituents,  but  that  they  must  take  the 
same  ad  refer etidwn,  so  as  to  bring  the  resolutions  of  their  Classes  to 
the  Synod  the  following  year.  So  the  matter  remained  undecided  for 
one  year. 

Meanwhile  we  neither  will  nor  may  leave  you  in  uncertaint)^  in  regard 
to  the  actual  contents  of  our  plan.  We  lay  it  down  as  a  basis  that 
nothing  is  more  becoming  and  necessary  that  the  two  parties  now  di- 
vided shall  come  together,  the  sooner  the  better,  in  the  closest  bonds  of 
love,  sincerely  forgiving  and  forgetting  what  has  been  done  by  either 
party  in  the  past. 

And  while  we  perceive  that  you  are  immovably  fixed  in  your  purpose 
of  establishing  a  separate  College,  and  we  have  been  informed  that  the 
Governor  has  already  granted  you  a  Charter,  giving  permission  to 
establish  it  in  New  Jersey,  we  are  neither  able  nor  desirous  to  hinder 
this,  supposing  that  you,  as  wise  and  prudent  builders,  have  counted  the 
cost  beforehand,  and  that  you  have  found  among  you  funds  sufficient 
not  only  to  begin  and  to  establish  a  College,  but  also  to  maintain  it ; 


APPENDIX.  335 

and  that  you  have  the  means  to  provide  such  a  newly-established  Col- 
lege with  worthy  Professors,  who  shall  give  proof  of  their  abilitiesi 
each  one  in  his  department,  and  be  renowned  in  it.  This  is  certainly 
necessary  for  the  success  of  a  new  College  in  a  country  where  several 
Colleges  have  already  been  founded  and  which  are  in  a  flourishing  con- 
dition. But  we  cannot  approve  of  your  undertaking  of  such  a  work 
separately  from  your  other  brethren  of  the  Conferentie,  for  we  can  see 
sad  consequences  from  this  course.  If  our  fraternal  counsel  still  has  in- 
fluence with  you,  then  consider  whether  (if  a  College  among  you  is  ab- 
solutely necessary),  it  be  not  better  that  the  entire  Brotherhood  assem- 
bled in  one  body  should  enter  into  friendly  negotiations  with  the 
Trustees  or  Directors  of  the  already  flourishing  Scotch  Presbyterian 
College  at  Princeton  ;  not  to  unite  these  two  ecclesiastical  bodies  in  one 
(although,  otherwise  it  seems  necessary  that  these  two  Assemblies 
should  join  hands  in  the  defence  of  the  doctrine  of  particular  and  free 
grace),  but  to  make  joint  use  of  any  of  the  Academical  rooms  as 
Auditoria.  Thus  the  students  of  the  Reformed  Churches  might  at  once 
obtam  the  benefit  of  the  instructions  of  the  Professors  in  Literature, 
History,  Languages,  Philosophy,  &c.,  and  then  the  united  brethren 
would  need  only  to  choose  provisionally  one  or  two  Professors  to  teach 
Theology,  Didactic,  Polemic,  Exegetic,  &c.,  according  to  the  funda- 
mentals of  our  Reformed  doctrine  ;  and  in  our  opinion  the  brethren 
would  do  best  to  choose  on  favorable  conditions  such  theologians  from 
the  Netherlands  as  have  proved  their  learning,  piety  and  orthodoxy, 
and  are  firmly  attached  to  the  Netherlands'  Formulas  of  Unity  [or  Stand- 
ards]. For  this,  we,  if  requested,  would  do  all  in  our  power  to  recom- 
mend qualified  persons.  Further,  students  should  have  studied  two  or 
three  years  under  these  Professors,  and  received  satisfactory  testimon- 
ials from  them  before  they  should  be  admitted  to  an  examination.  A 
Lector  also  might  be  appointed  if  necessary,  to  mstruct  in  the  Dutch 
language,  so  that  it  might  be  kept  alive  as  much  as  possible.  We  need 
not  tell  you  how  much  expense  would  by  this  means  be  saved,  or  that 
you  might  in  your  country  obtain  funds  sufficient  for  such  arrangement 
far  more  easily  than  you  could  secure  enough  for  the  establishment  of 
an  entirely  new  Academy;  and  as  the  funds  increased,  the  limits  of  the 
work  could  be  extended. 

But  as  to  Church  government,  we  hold  most  firmly  this  ground  that 
the  Netherlands  confession  of  faith  and  Church  Order,  with  all  be- 
sides that  belongs  to  the  formulae  of  uniformity,  musl  be  subscribed, 
and  that  the  closest  union  must  continue  between  the  Churches  of  vour 
Province  and  our  Netherland  Mother  Church,  and  also  that  the  same 
shall  be  maintained  through  friendly  and  fraternal  correspondence. 

Yes,  since  the  word  subordination,  which  the  Synod  and  our  Classis 
have  hitherto  used,  has  become  offensive  to  some  (although  we  have 
never  understood  it  as  implying  an  absolute  dependence  of  the  foreign 
churches  on  us  in  everything),  we  are  willing  to  modify  the  same,  and 


336  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

to  call  it  a  close  union,  in  which  you  stand  to  the  Netherland  mother 
Church.  Still,  we  can  never  accord  to  your  Particular  and  General 
Church  Assemblies  the  titles  of  Classical  and  Synodical  Assemblies, 
without  a  violation  of  our  Church  Constitution.  But  to  give  proof  of 
our  indulgence,  we  will  allow  the  widely  scattered  churches  to  form 
themselves,  according  to  the  situation  of  the  districts,  into  several 
smaller  assemblies  under  the  name  of  Conventus,  in  which  the  minis- 
ters and  neighboring  churches  may  come  together  three  or  four  times  a 
year,  (more  or  less  as  the  case  may  require),  to  act  upon  matters  af- 
fecting the  highest  interests  of  their  churches.  Moreover,  if  it  should 
be  thought  well  to  hold  every  year  a  General  Assembly  under  the  name 
of  Coetus,  consisting  of  delegates  from  each  Conventus,  we,  so  far  as 
we  are  concerned,  (the  Synod  of  North  Holland  approving),  would  gladly 
grant  the  long  desired  liberty  to  admit  to  preparatory  and  final  examin- 
ations, and  to  further  qualify  the  lawfully  called,  on  the  condition  that 
at  least  one  Professor  of  Theology  shall  always  have  a  seat  and  vote  in 
the  Coetus. 

The  Coetus  should,  in  order  to  maintain  this  close  union  with  the 
Netherland  Churches  and  our  Classis,  acknowledge  its  obligation  an- 
nually to  send  its  certified  Minutes  to  our  Classis,  show  itself  inclined 
to  accept  in  a  spirit  of  love  the  fatherly  and  brotherly  instruction,  and 
counsels  of  the  Mother  Church,  and  to  follow  them  as  far  as  may  be  pos- 
sible, having  no  other  aim  than  the  maintenance  of  purity  of  doctrine 
and  the  Church  Order,  and  the  harmony  and  edification  of  the  brethren. 

Behold,  dearly-beloved  brethren,  how  the  Classis  is  ready  to  lay  aside 
its  dignity,  and  see  whether  this  effort  may  not  by  God's  blessing,  be- 
come the  means  of  uniting  in  sincere  love  the  sadly  divided  brethren, 
who  are  one  with  us  in  the  Reformed  worship  and  doctrine.  Oh  !  that 
a  pitifully-wasted  Babel  might  be  changed  into  a  true  Philadelphia! 

You  will  from  this  readily  gather  our  sentiments,  and  you  will  have 
the  opportunity  to  take  this  plan  into  mature  and  dispassionate  consid- 
eration, while  you  with  us  await  the  action  of  the    Church   Synod. 

It  remains  for  us  to  express  our  wish  that  our  efforts  may  be  blessed, 

and  that  the  richest  blessings  may  be  granted  to  you  and  the  Churches 

committed  to  your  care. 

In  the  name  and  by  authority  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 

WiLHELMUs  Koolhaas,  Dep.  CI.,  p.  t.,  Pres. 

Petrus  Curtenius,  p,  t..  Clerk. 
Oct.  3,  1768. 

Note  14.     Page  -](>. 
Extract  of  a  Letter  of  Coetus  to  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  1768. 
•     •     .     .     "  Although  your  opinion   and  advice  concerning  a  union 
with  the  Scotch  Presbyterian  Academy  at  Princeton  do  not  seem  to  re- 
quire a  reply,  yet  we  must  be  permitted  to  say  that  such  a  union  seem 


APPENDIX.  337 

to  be  pregnant  with  many  difficulties.  If  peace  could  be  secured,  and 
we  be  enabled  to  live  in  friendly  and  fraternal  correspondence  with  the 
Church  of  the  Netherlands,  we  would  be  better  able  to  maintain  an 
Academy  than  any  other  [Church]  in  the  province."  .  ..."  It  ap- 
pears to  be  the  unanimous  opinion  of  the  Trustees  (Curatores)  of  our 
charter,  that  we  must  obtain  a  Professor  from  the  Netherlands." 

By  order  of  Coetus, 

S.  Verbryck,  Pres.,  p.  t. 

D.  Marinus,  Sec,  p.  t. 


Note  15.    Page  76. 

Extract  of  a  Letter  of  the  Conferentie  to  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam, 1768. 

"  Concerning  the  Charter,  which  has  been  obtained  for  a  separate 
Academy  in  the  Jerseys,  in  preference  to  having  one  or  two  Professors 
in  Theology  in  the  Scotch  Presbyterian  Academy  at  Princeton,  we  re- 
mark : " 

1.  "We  heartily  acknowledge  that  it  is  possible  to  form  a  union  with 
the  latter  ;  but  the  establishment  of  an  Academy  for  ourselves  seems  at 
present  to  be  impracticable,  and  in  this  matter  the  Rev.  Classis  has 
judged  correctly. 

2.  But  we  believe  that  the  Right  Rev.  Classis,  being  as  fully  informed 
as  ourselves  of  all  the  circumstances,  will  consider  the  former  scheme 
to  be  as  impracticable  as  the  latter. 

As  to  the  Charter  which  has  been  obtained,  we  cannot  judge  about 
it,  as  we  have  never  seen  it.  But  Domine  Ritzema  has  received  a  com- 
munication from  the  Governor  of  the  Jerseys,  in  which  he  says  that  he 
was  deceived,  when  he  gave  this  Charter,  by  those  who  applied  for  it. 
He  thought  that  the  request  came  from  the  Netherland  Churches  which 
remained  in  their  former  subordination  [to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam]. 
His  E.xcellency,  however,  has  now  found  out  to  the  contrary,  and  hence 
is  not  in  a  very  great  hurry  to  forward  the  matter. 

A  good  friend  has  even  assured  his  Reverence  that  his  Excellency  had 
granted  it  rather  out  of  spite  against  the  Presbyterians,  and  in  order  not 
to  favor  their  Academy.  And  what  after  all  is  the  worth  of  the  Charter 
in  itself  considered  ?  There  it  is  indeed,  but  no  place  is  fixed  for  the 
location  [of  the  Institution].  Domine  Goetschius,  with  his  friends, 
wants  to  have  it  located  at  Hackensack,  and  has  already  begun  to  build 
a  certain  house,  which  he  is  unable  to  finish.  Domine  Leydt,  with  his 
friends,  wants  it  on  the  Raritan.  Thus  are  they  already  divided  into 
two  parties  about  the  location.  Goetschius  has  already  started  a  Latin 
school,  appointing  his  wife's  brother  as  teacher.  He  has  also  placed  an- 
other Latin  teacher  two  or  three  miles  distant  to  make  it  a  little  more 
convenient  for  the  boarding  of  the  pupils.  Domine  Leydt.  with  his 
22 


338  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

party,  has  done  the  same  on  the  Raritan.  Domine  Verbryck  intends  to 
establish  a  school  at  Tappan.  We  doubt  much  if  either  of  them  has  a 
cent.  Whether  this  will  result  in  building  a  Babel  or  a  Philadelphia, 
we  leave  to  the  judgment  of  wise  men.  There  is  no  endowment  for 
either  of  these  schemes.  All  must  be  got  by  begging  either  here  or 
abroad.  Is  true  religion  in  danger  of  perishing }  Very  likely  the 
motive  is  nothing  else  than  this  :  The  Church  of  England  has  a  school 
and  the  Presbyterians  have  one,  and  why  should  we  be  behind  them  ? 
Will  any  one  give  liberally  under  such  circumstances,  and  from  a  relig- 
ious principle  .'* 

Now  let  us  look  at  a  plan  of  a  union  with  the  Presbyterians  in  their 
Academy.  For  us  to  have  an  arrangement  there  for  our  Professor  in 
Theology  is  a  matter  of  no  little  importance,  even  if  this  union  be  only 
a  local  one. 

(i.)  We  do  not  think  that  those  brethren  who  have  obtained  a  Char- 
ter for  themselves  will  easily  give  up  their  notion,  and  surrender  their 
privilege,  as  they  call  it. 

(2.)  Nor  can  we  believe  that  it  is  likelv  that  the  Presbyterians  will  at 
the  present  time  accept  of  this  proposal,  for  they  are  already  supplied 
with  Professors  of  Theology.  They  have  six  [Professors]  there  at  the 
present  time,  according  to  their  custom.  These  men  would  then  be 
there  without  performing  anything. 

(3.)  There  are  among  us  those  who  would  favor  this  union,  but  we 
doubt  not  that  there  is  a  large  number  to  whom  such  a  union  would  not 
be  acceptable."  [The  letter  then  treats  of  the  plans  of  ecclesiastical  gov- 
ernment proposed,  whether  independent  or  subordinate  to  the  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  or  holding  to  some  sort  of  Union.]     It  says  finally  : 

"  We  fully  approve  of  all  that  is  subsequently  proposed,  with  the  design 
of  maintaining  a  close  union  with  the  Netherlands  Church.  But  we 
cannot  fail  to  express  our  doubts  whether  the  Coetus  should  have  the 
unlimited  privilege  to  examine  and  ordain.  We  would  see  no  danger 
therein  if  we  were  supplied  with  Professors  of  Theology.  Then  we 
would  even  request  the  same  from  your  Right  Rev.  Synod.  But  as  long 
as  this  is  not  the  case  we  do  not  consider  it  safe  for  us  to  remain  on  the 
old  footing  just  as  it  has  now  again  been  determined  in  the  Synod  of 
North  Holland,  1766,  in  references  to  the  churches  of  Philadelphia." 

We  are  zealous  for  the  doctrine  of  Free  Grace  and  Special  Grace. 
Grace  is  the  pivot  on  which  everything  turns.  Over  this  doctrine, 
your  Reverences,  watch,  as  also  do  we.  For  these  very  reasons  you 
point  us  to  the  Scotch  Presbyterians  and  their  Academy  at  Princeton. 
We  give  this  advice  consideration.  But  would  not  this  doctrine  prevail 
more  generally  in  this  part  of  the  world  if  we  had  a  Professor  of 
Theology  such  as  your  Right  Rev.  Classis  has  described,  in  the  English 
Academy  or  College  in  New  York  ?  Domine  Ritzema,  the  oldest  min- 
nister  in  the  city  of  New  York,  as  early  as  1755,  secured  an  additional 
Charter  for  this  special  object,  that  his  congregation  alone  (to  the  exclu- 


APPENDIX.  339 

sion  of  all  the  others)  should  have  the  privilege  [of  appointing  a  Profes- 
sor]. Of  this  Institution  his  Reverence  is  a  Governor;  but  his  promo- 
tion thereto  (which  we  gratefully  acknowledge)  has  been  one  prom- 
inent cause  of  our  lamentable  schism ;  for  the  long  since  deceased 
Theodore  Freilinghuyzen  was  provoked  to  wrath  by  this  circumstance. 
Because  he  was  shut  out,  he  stirred  up  all  the  Churches  in  both  the 
Provinces,  for  the  establishment  of  an  Academy,  Classis,  etc.,  etc.,  for 
ourselves.  This  is  well  known  to  the  Rev.  Classis,  and  it  is  unneces- 
sary to  refer  to  it  again.  Some  will  object  that  this  is  an  Episcopal 
Academy,  whose  ecclesiastical  government  differs  more  from  ours  than 
does  that  of  the  Scotch  Presbyterians,  and  that  the  Governors  or 
Regents  are  mostly  Episcopalians.  We  reply  by  asking  whether  their 
Articles  of  Faith  are  not  just  as  orthodox  as  ours.  Are  there  not  found 
among  them  at  the  present  day,  many  ministers,  who  teach  the  doc- 
trines of  Grace,  free  and  special  ?  Even  though  many  may  fail  short, 
is  not  this  also  the  case  in  the  present  Scotch  Church.?  Certainly 
their  best  ministers  complain  that  there  is  a  general  degeneracy  in 
reference  to  sound  doctrine.  Of  this,  many  books  which  daily 
come  under  our  eye,  are  witnesses.  It  is  true  that  most 
of  the  Governors  are  at  present  members  of  the  English  Church,  and  if 
they  were  moved  by  party  spirit  they  could  outvote  us.  But  we  are  free 
to  say  that  this  party  spirit  has  never  shown  itself  to  us,  and  most  prob- 
ably need  not  be  feared.  They  are  the  first  and  most  respectable  people 
of  our  city  and  of  our  land.  [The  Governors  consist  of]  the  Governor  of 
the  Province,  the  Councellor  of  the  King,  the  Judges  in  the  Courts  of 
Justice,  the  Rector  of  the  Church  [Trinity],  the  oldest  Dutch  Minister, 
the  French,  the  Presbyterian  and  the  Lutheran  Ministers.  [They  need 
not  be  feared]  in  regard  to  those  things  which  we  think  especially  con- 
cern us  ;  for  the  additional  Charter  expressly  determines  that  the  Pro- 
fessor [in  Theology]  is  to  be  a  member  of  the  Dutch  Church,  and  that 
he  must  teach  the  doctrines  of  the  Netherlands  Church,  according  to 
the  Articles  of  the  Synod  of  Dort,  1618-19.  We  may  press  this  matter 
the  more,  because  in  the  English  Academy  at  this  place,  as  well  as  in 
Philadelphia,  there  is  no  Professor  of  Theology,  and  hence  that  Church 
suffers  the  same  as  we  do.  Their  young  men,  who  are  sent  from  here 
to  England  to  be  ordained,  are  indeed  unskilled  in  Theology.  They 
will  not  send  them  to  any  other  Academy.  We  could,  therefore,  in  this 
way  work  much  for  the  common  good  of  our  American  Zion,  if  we  only 
had  a  prudent  and  skilful  Professor  of  our  own. 

And  Domine  Ritzema,  who  alone  had  the  opportunity  to  act  with 
energy  in  this  matter,  three  or  four  years  ago  obtained  the  assent  of  the 
other  Governors  that  we  should  call  a  man  from  Holland,  such  as  the 
Charter  prescribes,  viz.,  one  who  has  studied  and  been  trained  there, 
and  who  should  be  sent  by  the  Rev.  Classis.  The  Governors  promised 
to  give  him  ^200  per  year,  and  we  were  to  add  ^200,  so  that  he  would 
have  a  salary  of  ;^4oo,  the  same  as  that  of  the  President  of  the  College. 


340  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

If  this  matter  should  be  pressed  by  the  Classis  and  the  Synod,  we  doubt 
not  that  it  would  succeed.  Such  a  man  would  indeed  be  enough  for  the 
whole  need  of  the  Church. 

We  do  not  intend  to  oblige  all  the  other  congregations  to  come  to 
New  York.  The  Dutch  Church  [of  that  city]  has  never  been  willing  to 
take  advantage  of  its  privilege,  and  now  less  than  ever.  That  congre- 
gation can  never  expect  from  the  Governors  the  right  of  nominating  or 
appointing  a  Professor,  who  shall  be  paid  entirely  by  the  Governors. 
For  even  the  Church  of  England  in  this  city  has  no  special  privilege  in 
the  College,  except  that  the  President  must  always  be  a  member  in  com- 
munion with  that  Church.  But  all  the  other  Professors  and  Teachers 
may,  without  any  conditions,  be  members  of  other  denominations. 
From  this  it  appears  that  the  Dutch  Church  is  privileged  above  all  other 
bodies. 

Now  we  only  say  this,  that  if  we  lay  aside  all  prejudice,  and  really  in- 
tend to  build  up  pure  doctrine,  we  must  cultivate  peace  and  unity  in  the 
Church  and  in  our  civil  relations  ;  we  must  attempt  nothing  above  our 
power,  and  neither  oppress  ourselves  nor  others.  Such  is  the  course  we 
should  pursue.  If  all  the  foolish  things  done  by  the  brethren  of  the  op- 
position could  be  brought  before  their  eyes  by  the  Right  Rev.  Classis 
and  Synod,  it  might  have  the  desired  effect.  For,  notwithstanding  all 
lamentations  about  it,  the  English  Church  will  prevail  in  this  Province. 

Now  that  Church  has  always  been  friendly  to  those  who  adhere  to  the 
Netherlandish  Constitution.  We  can,  at  the  present  time,  substantiate 
this  by  many  facts . 

[Domme  Ritzema  intended  to  have  secured  the  signatures  of  Fryen- 
moet,  Coekand  Rysdyck,  but  a  good  opportunity  occurring  of  dispatch- 
ing this  letter,  he  sent  it  under  his  own  name  alone.] 


Note  i6.     Page  ^6. 
Letter  of  Domine  David  Marinus  of  Acquackanonk,  1755. 

A  remark  on  the  Disputes  and  Contentions  Df  this  Province,  meaning 
New  York. 

"  If  any  man  in  his  right  senses,  who  will  not  be  duped,  considers 
what  hath  happened  among  us,  will  he  then  any  longer  be  at  a  loss  to 
ascribe  our  strifes,  quarrels  and  contentions  to  their  real  causes.'*  Was 
there  not  a  sum  of  money  raised  by  our  Assembly  in  order  to  erect  a 
College  or  Seminary  of  learning  for  the  education  of  youth?  And  did 
not  a  certain  party  petition  for  and  obtain  a  Charter  in  which  the  Presi- 
dent is  appointed  forever  to  be  a  member  in  communion  with  the 
Church  of  England  .-'  etc."  Will  not  our  youth  by  this  Constitution  be 
under  the  sole  government  of  that  party  (as  yet  not  numerous  in  this 
Province)  and  thereby  be  imbued  with  their  principle ;  so  that  High 
Church  will  be  brought  into  a  likely  way  to  triumph  over  us  1     Will  not 


APPENDIX.  341 

the  youth  be  tinctured  with  the  principles  of  those  who  teach  them? 
And  will  this  not  soon  model  Church  and  State?  When  these  things 
are  duly  considered  (which  surely  are  very  obvious  to  every  thinking 
person)  I  hope  they  who  belong  to  the  Reformed  Church  as  con- 
stituted by  the  Synod  of  Dordrecht  will  no  longer  suffer  themselves  to 
be  so  much  imposed  upon  as  they  have  been  for  some  time  of  late. 
For  my  part,  I  am  not  more  amazed,  although  I  am  much  so,  at  the 
astonishing  imposition  of  the  encroaching  party  that  w^ould  monopo- 
lize our  intended  College,  than  I  am  at  our  own  infatuation,  stupidity 
and  lethargy."  He  then  refers  with  approbation  to  the  Independent 
Reflector  and  Watch  Tower  on  this  point,  and  inveighs  against  a  pre- 
tended friend  to  the  Dutch  Church  who  had  published  an  Article  in 
the  New  York  Mercury  in  favor  of  King's  College  and  adverse  to  the 
establishment  of  a  separate  Classis  in  this  Country.  "  But  he  seems," 
says  Dom.  Marinus  "to  be  under  a  terrible  apprehension  when  this  (an 
independent  Classis)  is  effected,  that  the  Jersey  College  (then  located  at 
Newark  under  Rev.  Aaron  Burr)  will  be  encouraged  and  ours  (Kings)  at 
the  same  time  neglected.  I  hope  we  will  wish  the  Jersey  College  well, 
because  their  aim  at  grasping  after  all  our  Churches  hath  not  hitherto 
been  so  glaring  as  that  of  the  High  Church  College  (Kings)  in  this 
Province.  And  I  believe  the  religious  principles  inculcated  in  the 
former  agree  better  with  Holy  Scriptures,  and  with  the  Confessions  of 
our  Church,  nay,  even  with  the  doctrinal  part  of  the  Articles  of  the 
Church  of  England  than  I  expect  will  be  taught  in  the  latter.  More- 
over those  who  erected  it,  have  not  as  yet  endeavored  to  impose  the 
charge  of  keeping  it  upon  us.  But  if  our  friend  had  not  been  hasty, 
and  had  waited  but  a  little  while  longer  he  would  perhaps  have  been 
informed  that  we  don't  choose  to  have  too  near  a  connection  with  either  ; 
but  intend,  please  God,  an  Academy  of  our  own,  for  the  free  Education 
of  our  youth."  **  "  And  though  this  our  resolution  be  but  just  and 
equitable  in  itself,  and  no  more  than  what  is  manifestly  our  indispens- 
able duty,  we  may  notwithstanding,  in  a  great  measure,  thank  our  kind 
sister  Churches  for  it,  who  by  the  whole  of  their  late  conduct  towards 
us,  even  by  their  dreams  and  prophesies,  have  shown  us  the  necessity 
thereof,  unless  we  resolve  ignominiously  to  surrender,  and  give  up  our 
churches  to  them."  He  finally  exhorts  his  brethren  of  the  Reformed 
Church  to  be  aroused  from  their  lethargy,  to  awake  to  the  craft  and  ar- 
tifice used  to  despoil  them.  He  doubts  not  that  his  Gracious  Majesty 
King  George  will  be  pleased  to  "grant  us  a  Charter  too,  for  the  educa- 
tion of  our  youth  as  well  as  any  other  religious  denomination  whatso- 
ever." And  he  adds  :  "  We  have  no  business  with  their  Colleges  ;  they 
may  erect  as  many  as  they  please,  and  must  expect  to  maintain  them 
too,  themselves.     Let  every  one  provide  for  his  own  house." 

The  above  pamphlet  is  bound  up  in  vol.  V.  Miscellaneous  Pamphlets, 
New  Jersey  Historical  Society. 


343  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Note  17.    Page  tj. 

Trustees  Named  in  the  Second  Charter  of  Queens  College 
Granted  in  1770. 
"We  do  of  our  special  grace,  certain  knowledge,  and  mere  motion,  by 
these  presents,  for  us.  our  heirs  and  successors,  create,  ordain,  consti- 
tute, nominate,  and  appoint  the  Governor  or  Commander-in-Chief,  the 
President  of  the  Council,  or  Chief  Justice,  and  our  Attorney-General  of 
said  Colony,  for  the  time  being;  Sir  William  Johnson,  Baronet,  and 
Rev.  Johannes  Henricus  Goetschius,  Rev.  Johannes  Leydt,  Rev.  David 
Maurinus,  Rev.  Johannes  Martinus  Van  Harlingen,  Rev.  Jacob  R.  Har- 
denbergh,  and  Rev.  William  Jackson,  of  our  said  Colony  of  New  Jersey  ; 
Rev.  Samuel  Verbryk,  Rev.  Parent  Vrooman,  Rev.  Maurice  Goetschius, 
Rev.  Eilardus  Westerlo,  Rev.  John  Schuneman,  of  our  Province  of  New 
York  ;  and  Rev.  Philip  Wyberg  and  Rev.  Jonathan  Du  Bois  of  the  Prov- 
ince of  Pennsylvania ;  Hendrich  Fisher,  Peter  Zabriskie,  Peter  Hasen- 
clever,  Peter  Schenck,  Tunis  Dey,  Philip  French,  John  Covenhoven, 
Henricus  Kuyper,  of  our  Colony  of  New  Jersey,  Esqrs.;  and  Simon 
Johnson,  Philip  Livingston,  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  Abraham  Has- 
brouck,  Theodorus  Van  Wyck,  Abraham  Lott,  Robert  Livingston,  Levi 
Pauling,  John  BrinkerhofT,  Nicholas  Stillwill,  Martinus  Hofifman,  Jacob 
H.  Ten  Eyck,  John  Haring,  Isaac  Vrooman,  Barnardus  Ryder,  of  our 
Province  of  New  York,  Esqrs.,  Trustees  of  our  Queens  College  in  New 
Jersey." 

Note  18.    Page  80. 

We  insert  the  Letter  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  ratifying  the  Arti- 
cles of  Union. 

The  Letter  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
To  the  Convention  of  United  Brethren,  Ministers  and  Elders  of  the  Re- 
forfned  Dutch  Churches  in  New  York  and  New  fersey, 
Reverend  and  Much  Respected  Brethren  :  We  received  your 
friendly  letter,  with  the  accompanying  documents,  dated  October  i8th, 
just  previous  to  the  close  of  the  year,  and  in  season  to  present  them  at 
the  first  Classical  meeting  in  the  new  year,  that  they  might  take  them 
into  consideration,  and  communicate  the  result  of  their  deliberations  as 
speedily  as  practicable.  We  have  learned  from  the  documents  you  have 
sent  to  us,  with  great  joy,  that  the  God  of  peace  has  inclined  the  hearts 
of  the  brethern.  long  divided  by  unhappy  contention,  to  seek  delightful 
peace  and  reunion  in  brotherly  love  ;  so  that,  by  the  friendly  invitation 
of  the  Consistory  of  the  Church  in  New  York,  most  of  them  assembled 
in  that  city,  and,  after  a  session  of  four  days,  were  reconciled  and  united 
to  each  other.  We  also  learn  that  the  absent  brethren,  mostly  pre- 
vented by  circumstances  of  a  domestic  nature,  have  given  the  assured 
hope  that  they  will  be  satisfied  with  the  Plan  of  Union.   We  have  not  in 


APPENDIX.  343 

a  long  time  been  so  much  rejoiced  by  gratifying  intelligence  from  our 
churches  in  foreign  lands  as  by  that  now  received  from  you,  which  is 
"good  tidings  from  a  far  country  ;"  like  water,  refreshing  to  our  souls, 
wear)'  and  thirsty  by  reason  of  our  former  correspondence  in  relation  to 
existing  difficulties.  Well  may  we,  in  the  congregation  of  God's  people, 
oflfer  up  our  joyful  songs  of  praise  to  the  God  of  peace.  We  desire,  with 
our  whole  hearts,  and  in  pure,  disinterested  love  to  the  brethren  and 
the  church,  that  this  peace  and  union  may  be  universal,  and  prove  per- 
petual. The  pious  zeal  of  the  Consistory  of  New  York  ;  the  willingness 
and  readiness  of  the  brethren  to  respond  to  their  invitation  to  assemble 
in  convention ;  the  pious  and  edifying  character  of  their  deliberations 
during  their  session  of  four  days  ;  and  the  declared  assent  of  most  of 
their  absent  brethren,  conspire  to  warrant  the  well-grounded  hope  that 
such  will  be  the  result.  In  order  speedily  to  confirm  and  bring  to  con- 
clusion this  sacred  work  of  peace,  and  to  allow  no  languor  or  delay,  we 
have  in  our  Classical  meeting  attentively  read  and  maturely  considered 
the  proposed  articles,  adopted  by  the  brethren  present  as  a  basis  of  union. 
These  Articles  essentially  correspond  with  the  Plan  heretofore  proposed 
by  us,  and  appear  to  be  wisely  adapted  to  the  peculiar  circumstances  and 
condition  of  the  churches  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  The  Classis, 
cordially  desirous  to  see  peace  and  harmony  restored  and  established 
among  their  brethren  in  the  common  faith  in  America,  wish  it  to  be  ex- 
tensively published,  that  they  have  heartily  and  unanimously  approved 
the  Plan  of  Union,  without  proposing  any  alteration  or  addition ;  and 
they  express  their  ardent  hope  that  the  brethren  not  present  at  the  con- 
vention lately  held  in  New  York,  may  be  animated  with  the  same  zeal 
for  the  attainment  of  peace  and  harmony,  and  adopt  the  Plan  of  Union 
without  suggesting  any  material  alteration. 

We  trust  that  our  full  approbation  will  tend  to  promote  this  most  de- 
sirable end  in  your  entire  unanimity.  Still,  the  general  convention  of 
the  united  brethren  and  churches  not  only  claims  the  freedom,  but  (ac- 
cording to  the  import  of  the  Articles  now  approved  by  us)  feels  itself 
bound  further  to  make  such  stipulations  and  additions  as  the  interests 
and  welfare  of  the  churches  may  require.  We,  therefore,  request  the 
brethren  who  have  signed  the  Articles  of  the  Plan  of  Union  (having 
entire  confidence  in  their  love  of  and  devotion  to  the  cause  of  peace)  to 
employ  all  their  efforts  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  proposed  object, 
and  especially  to  seek  the  reconciliation  of  the  church  at  Kingston  with 
their  minister.  Rev.  H.  Meyer.  We  are  rejoiced  to  hear  that  he  yielded, 
with  the  other  brethren,  his  full  approbation  to  the  Articles  of  Union,  and 
hope  that  the  reconciliation  between  him  and  the  church  may  soon  be 
effected,  through  the  kind  mediation  of  the  brethren,  unto  mutual  satis- 
faction and  rejoicing.  We  cheer  ourselves  with  the  hope  which  you 
have  expressed  to  us,  that  when  our  ready  and  full  approbation  of  the 
Articles  of  Union  shall  be  sent  to  those  particular  churches  which  have 
not  signed  them,  it  will  exert  such  a  strong  influence  as  to  lead  to  their 


344  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

acquiescence  and  approbation.  Thus,  a  speedy  adoption  of  the  Articles 
as  conditions  of  peace,  will,  before  long,  bring  to  an  end  all  divisions 
and  dissensions,  cause  them  to  be  ever  forgotten,  and  unite  the  hearts 
of  the  brethren  so  closely  that  they  shall  continually  remain  a  well- 
cemented  body,  abiding  in  one  spirit,  and  with  one  accord  striving  for 
the  faith  of  the  Gospel.  Thus  shall  the  Mother  Church  of  the  Nether- 
lands remain  in  close  connection  with  her  daughter  dwelling  in  a  distant 
country,  in  the  unity  of  faith  and  love,  and  built  on  one  common  Consti- 
tution. Thus,  also,  the  churches  of  New  York  and  New  jersey  may 
successfully  appeal  to  the  civil  authorities,  with  good  hope  of  success, 
for  the  maintenance  of  their  ecclesiastical  freedom  and  privileges,  pre- 
serving fully  the  character  of  Reformed  Dutch  Churches,  as  originally 
organized.  Thus  may  our  Reformed  Church  in  your  land,  in  the  midst 
of  so  many  denominations  as  surround  her,  exhibit  the  beautiful  and  at- 
tractive appearance  of  the  Lamb's  bridal  Church,  "  Fair  as  the  moon, 
clear  as  the  sun,  and  terrible  as  an  army  with  banners."  Over  your 
peaceful  Church,  animated  by  truth  and  love,  inseparable,  united,  God 
will  command  his  "blessing,  even  life  for  evermore,"  even  as  "on  a  hab- 
itation of  righteousness  and  a  mountain  of  holiness,"  the  fragrance  of 
which  shall  spread  all  around,  and  attract  many  to  her  communion,  as 
members  of  the  "  one  body  in  Christ."  Nothing  can  prove  more  de- 
lightful to  us  who  have,  with  a  disinterested  spirit,  strongly  exhorted 
the  brethren  to  a  reconciliation  and  union,  and,  at  the  same  time,  to  a 
close  correspondence  with  the  Reformed  Church  of  Holland,  and  con- 
tinued attachment  to  her  faith  and  order,  than  henceforth  to  see  the 
churches  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  a  true  Philadelphia,  where  the 
Lord  loves  to  dwell.  For  this  end  we  entreat,  in  behalf  of  the  brethren 
and  churches,  the  direction  of  the  "  wisdom  which  is  from  above,  which 
is  first  pure,  then  peaceable,  gentle,  easy  to  be  entreated,  full  of  good 
fruits,  without  partiality,  and  without  hypocrisy."  May  the  hearts  of  all 
flow  together  into  one,  and  be  bound  together  in  love,  which  is  the  bond 
of  perfectness.  Thus  "  the  fruit  of  righteousness  shall  be  sown  in  peace 
of  them  that  make  peace;"  yea,  the  God  of  peace  shall  impart  the  earn- 
est of  salvation  to  those  on  whom  he  pronounces  the  blessedness  of  the 
peacemaker,  and  furnish  therein  the  evidence  of  their  heavenly  sonship. 
Commending  you  to  God's  manifold  and  best  blessing  for  this  and  con- 
tinued years,  yourselves,  your  families,  your  churches,  and  ecclesiastical 
assemblies. 

We  remain,  reverend  and  respected  brethren,  with  true  brotherly  love 
and  regard,  your  fellow-servants  and  brethren  in  Christ, 

N.  TETTEROpE, 
V.D.M.  Amst.  et  Deputatorum  Classis  ad  res  exteras,  h.  t.  Praeses. 

JOHANNIS   ARN.  ECK, 

V.D.M,  Amst.  et  Dep.  Classis  ad  res  exteras,  h.  t.  p.  Scriba. 
Amsterdam:  Done  in  Classical  Session,  Jan.  14,  1772. 


APPENDIX.  345 

Note  19.    Page  81. 
Synodical  Action,  1773.— Professorate. 

The  subject  of  the  Professorship  having  been  taken  into  considera- 
tion, the  proceedings  of  the  several  Particular  ecclesiastical  Bodies  in 
relation  to  it  were  read  ;  whereupon,  was  also  presented  and  read  a  let- 
ter from  the  honorable  the  Trustees  of  Queens  College  in  New  Jersey, 
containing  a  respectful  address  to  this  Rev.  Body,  representing,  among 
other  things,  that  they  had  written  to  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam 
and  the  Rev.  Theological  Faculty  at  Utrecht,  requesting  those  Rev. 
Bodies  to  recommend  a  person  whom  they  judged  qualified  to  be  called 
as  President  in  the  forementioned  College,  who  should  at  the  same  time 
instruct  those  youth  who  chose  to  place  themselves  under  his  oversight 
in  Sacred  Theology,  and  who  would  consequently,  agreeably  to  the  re- 
ceived Articles  of  Union,  be  a  member  of  the  Particular  and  General 
ecclesiastical  Bodies,  and  commending  the  forementioned  College  to- 
the  kind  regards  of  this  Rev.  Body. 

After  mature  deliberation,  the  Rev.  Body  came  to  the  following  con- 
clusions : 

1.  As  respects  the  Professor's  place  of  residence:  that  Brunswick  is 
the  most  suitable,  on  account  of  his  relation  to  Queens  College  there 
situated,  as  well  as  for  the  students  in  regard  to  livelihood  and  other 
circumstances. 

2.  With  reference  to  his  actual  call,  the  Rev.  Body  coincide  with  the 
honorable  the  Trustees  in  their  proposal,  in  the  expectation  that  they 
will  call  no  person  as  Professor  of  Sacred  Theology  but  one  who  is  rec- 
ommended by  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  which  recommendation 
the  honorable  the  Trustees  will  please  to  communicate  to  the  Rev.  Gen- 
eral Body  before  the  call  is  made ;  and  also,  that  the  Professor  of  The- 
ology will  at  the  same  time  be  and  remain  President  of  the  College,  the 
Theological  Faculty  being  the  superior  in  rank. 

3.  For  further  carrying  into  execution  these  designs,  the  Rev.  Body 
will  use  their  endeavors  and  influence  to  increase  the  fund,  which  (ac- 
cording to  report)  has  already  reached  the  sum  of  £4,000,  now  in  the 
hands  of  the  honorable  the  Trustees,  so  as  to  make  out  a  sufficient  call ; 
at  the  same  time,  judging  that  the  most  suitable  way  of  effecting  such 
increase  is,  that  the  Trustees,  upon  the  reception  of  the  money  from  the 
Province  of  New  York,  solemnly  engage  to  such  incorporated  congrega- 
tions as  the  Rev.  General  Body  shall  be  pleased  to  name  for  that  purpose, 
that  if  ever  the  income  of  said  money  should,  in  the  judgment  of  the 
Rev.  General  Body,  be  used  to  support  any  other  Theological  Professors 
than  those  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  in  fellowship  with  the 
Church  of  the  Netherlands,  then,  and  in  such  case,  said  money  shall  be 
restored  to  the  incorporated  bodies  mentioned. 

4.  It  is  further  determined,  by  special  letter,  in  the  most  earnest  man- 
ner, to  recommend  this  subject  to  the  Rev.  Classis,  with  accompanying 


346  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

reasons  why  the  Rev.  Body  judge  this  to  be,  in  present  circumstances, 
the  best  plan  to  bring  the  weighty  matter  of  the  Professorship  in  the 
speediest  and  surest  manner  to  a  consummation. 

5.  And  lastly,  that  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  handed  to  the  honorable 
the  Trustees  by  the  Rev.  Deputati  of  this  Body. 


Note  20.    Page   81. 

Letter  of  the  General  Meeting  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Right  Rev.  Gentlemen  and  highly  esteemed  Brethren  in  Christ : 

We  have  the  honor  of  sending  to  you  the  Acts  of  our  General  Meet- 
ing, held  at  Kingston,  on  the  5th-8th  days  of  October ;  as  also  a  dupli- 
cate of  the  Acts  of  the  Meeting  at  New  York,  in  the  month  of  June, 
1772,  as  we  understand  you  have  not  received  them.  We  do  not  wish  to 
trouble  you  by  sending  you  an  extended  letter,  since  we  are  conscious 
that  you  are  necessarily  engaged  in  many  important  matters.  How- 
ever, your  care,  and  thoroughly  tested  love  towards  our  Church  here, 
gives  us  ground  to  hope,  not  only,  that  all  good  news  from  the  New 
Netherlands  will  be  gladly  received,  but  also,  that  you  are  ever  willmg 
to  extend  a  helping  hand  for  the  promotion  of  our  good.  Permit  us, 
therefore,  to  call  the  special  attention  of  your  Body  in  a  brief  manner, 
to  the  ninth  Article  of  the  Acts  of  this  our  Meeting,  at  the  same  time 
laying  open  before  your  Body  the  whole  matter,  and  stating  the  grounds 
for  our  determination  concerning  it. 

It  is  undoubtedly  known  to  your  Body,  that  a  Charter  for  a  Seminar)' 
or  Academy  in  New  Jersey,  was  obtained  a  few  years  ago,  by  a  few  mem- 
bers of  our  Church.  The  principal  aim  of  this  was  to  prosecute  theolo- 
gical studies  under  a  regular  Professorship,  and  under  protection  of  a 
royal  Charter. 

The  Seminary  in  question,  has  already  been  established  at  Brunswick, 
a  small  town  not  far  from  the  City  of  New  York,  and  altogether  pleas- 
antly and  advantageously  situated.  This  enterprise  appeared  somewhat 
strange  to  some  of  the  brethren  during  the  times  of  division  in  our 
Church,  when  it  was  impossible  to  deliberate,  and  efifectively  take  meas- 
ures for  the  common  interests  of  our  Zion,  as  we  have  been  enabled  to 
do  since  our  happy  union.  Meanwhile  the  Hon.  Gentlemen,  Curatores 
of  the  above-mentioned  Seminary)  among  whom  are  some  of  the  most 
distinguished  men  of  the  country),  have  proceeded  to  bring  it  as  nearly 
as  possible  to  a  desirable  position.  For  that  purpose  also,  they  present 
this  important  matter,  by  a  communication  to  your  Assembly,  as  is  men- 
tioned also  in  the  Article,  referred  to  above. 

After  mature  deliberation,  the  meeting  has  approved  of  the  Acts  of 
the  Hon.  Gentlemen,  Curatores,  and  unanimously  agreed  to  them  for  the 
following  reasons  : 

I.  The  cost  of  living  in  the  city  of  New  York  and  even  in  the  smaller 


APPENDIX.  347 

cities  of  this  Province  is  so  very  high  that  we  cannot  entertain  any  rea- 
sonable expectation  that  students  (who,  as  a  general  thing,  are  not 
wealthy),  after  having  already  spent  a  good  part  of  their  patrimonium 
in  obtaining  their  preparatory  education,  shall  be  able  to  defray  the  ex- 
penses which  a  full  theological  course  will  entail.  For  this  reason, 
Brunswick,  where  living  is  much  cheaper  than  in  any  principal  city  in 
this  Province,  was  considered  by  us  to  be  the  most  favorable  situa- 
tion. 

2.  Because  some  of  the  principal  congregations  in  this  Province,  we 
are  sorry  to  say.  have  not  united  with  us  in  this  enterprise,  and  princi- 
pally for  the  reason  that  they  do  not  wish  to  be  burdened  with  the  ex- 
penses of  the  Professorships  ;  but  if  we  should  call  a  Professor,  without 
the  help  of  the  New  Jersey  brethren,  we  especially  need  their  aid  and 
assistance,  for  this  very  purpose;  in  that  case  we  would  stand  in  abso- 
lute need  of  it. 

3.  Because,  according  to  the  reports  of  the  Hon.  Gentlemen,  Curatores, 
the  considerable  sum  of  four  thousand  pounds  has  already  been  col- 
lected for  the  establishment  and  support  of  the  Brunswick  Seminary, 
which  will  make  it  all  the  easier  for  the  united  congregation  to  bring  it 
up  to  the  amount  requisite  for  the  support  of  a  Professor  and  necessary 
Tutors. 

4.  Because  nearly  all  of  the  now  united  congregations  are  inclined  to 
establish  the  Seminary  in  question;  and  because  the  regulation  now 
proposed  seems  to  be  the  best  and  only  way,  in  our  judgment,  for  ad- 
justing the  diHerences  of  opinion  among  the  brethren  upon  this  matter; 
for  if  this  be  not  done,  it  would  be  difficult  if  not  impossible,  to  carry 
the  matter  into  efTect. 

5.  Because  the  need  of  the  Church  absolutely  demands,  that  another 
and  better  course  than  has  hitherto  been  pursued  be  taken  for  the  edu- 
cation of  parties  fit  for  the  service  of  the  Church,  inasmuch  as  other- 
wise we  would  be  obliged  to  remain  waiting  in  uncertainty  for  many 
years  to  come.  This  would  have  a  hurtful  effect  upon  the  congrega- 
tions. 

6.  Because,  as  has  been  mentioned,  a  royal  Charter  has  already  been 
granted  and  obtained  for  the  Seminary  in  question,  under  which  the 
requisite  Funds  can  be  suitably  and  safely  entrusted. 

We  hope  that  your  Body,  seeing  the  force  of  the  above-mentioned 
reasons,  will  be  pleased  to  grant  the  request  of  the  Hon.  Gentlemen, 
Curatores,  to  recommend  to  them  a  man  adapted  and  qualified  to  act  as 
Professor  and  at  the  same  time  as  President  of  the  Brunswick  Seminary. 
This  request  we  also  adopt  as  our  own  for  the  above-mentioned  reasons, 
and  we  hope  that  we  will  receive,  as  soon  as  possible,  a  favorable  response 
of  the  Classis  upon  this  so  weighty  a  matter,  a  matter  which  we  must 
consider  as  fundamental  to  our  Church  Union.  May  the  God  of  Peace 
preserve  this  Union  inviolate  forever.  After  praying  for  God's  richest 
blessings  upon  your  dear  persons,  congregations  and  the  Church  in  the 


348  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Netherlands,  we  have  the  honor  of  calling  ourselves  with   the   highest 
love  and  esteem,  Rev.  Gentlemen, 

Your  most  humble  Servants  and  Brethren  in  Christ. 
JOH.  Casp.  Rubel,  Pres.  p.  t. 
D.  ROMEYN,  V.  D.  M.,  Sec.  p.  t. 
In  name  of  the  General   Meeting,  held  at  Kingston  on  Oct.  8th,  1773. 


Note  21.     Page  82. 

Letter  from  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  June.  15,  1774. 

Reverend,  Learned  and  much  Respected  Brethren,  constituting  the  Gen- 
eral Synod  of  the  Ministers  and  Elders  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  : 

We  received  the  minutes  of  your  Convention  held  at  Kingston,  Oct. 
5~8'  1773.  with  the  accompanying  letter,  written  at  that  time,  in  due  sea- 
son. We  have  read  them  with  great  satisfaction,  as  the  fear  which  we 
expressed  in  our  last  is  at  once  removed,  because  the  brethren  in  both 
the  provinces  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  are  of  one  mind  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  Professorate. 

As  it  respects  this  important  subject,  beloved  brethren,  we  have  ear- 
nestly directed  our  considerations  to  proper  means ;  but  we  needed  a 
firmer  footing  on  which  to  go  to  work,  before  we  could  prosecute  it  in 
any  way  with  hope  of  success. 

We  ought  previously  to  know,_/frj'/,  on  what  certain  salary  a  Professor 
might  be  called  ;  secondly,  whether  there  would  be  any  other  emolu- 
ments besides  the  salary,  as  a  dwelling,  etc. ;  thirdly,  how  much  would 
be  allowed  for  the  removal  of  a  Professor  and  his  goods ;  fourthly,  what 
are  the  particular  services  which  would  be  required  of  a  Professor? 

Without  knowledge  as  to  these  points  no  one  will  be  disposed  to 
leave  his  fatherland  ;  but  when  we  receive  intelligence  on  these  points, 
we  shall  be  able  to  act  on  this  subject  efficiently. 

In  the  meantime  we  submit  to  the  consideration  of  your  reverend 
Body,  whether  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Livingston,  S.S.  Th.D.,  who  is  held  by 
us  in  high  reputation,  would  not  be  deemed  by  the  brethren  qualified 
for  the  office.     Our  Classis  will  gladly  give  her  approbation. 

It  appears  to  us,  as  it  does  to  the  Rev.  Theological  Faculty  of  Ut- 
recht, to  whom  we  wrote  on  the  subject,  that  Rev.  Dr.  Livingston  would 
be  best  adapted  for  this  work  on  account  of  his  suitable  qualifications 
for  the  work,  his  knowledge  of  the  language,  and  the  peculiarities  of  the 
people,  as  well  as  of  the  circumstances,  all  of  which  should  be  taken  in- 
to consideration  in  prosecuting  this  matter.  In  these  respects  he  has 
many  advantages  over  any  one  who  could  be  called  from  Holland. 
Besides,  considerable  additional  expense  would  thus  be  avoided. 

But  if  the  appointment  of  Dr.  Livingston  should  not  be  acceptable  to 
the  Synod,  or,  if  he  should  himself  be  disinclined  to  engage  in  so  impor- 
tant an  office,  then  we  shall  need  more  minute  information,   to  propose 


APPENDIX.  349 

the  subject  to  some  one  here.  It  will  be  gratifying  to  receive  a  letter 
from  the  brethren  on  these  points. 

In  relation  to  other  matters  we  desire  a  reference  to  the  8th  Article. 

That  the  Consistory  of  Kingston  had  approved  the  two-fold  plan  of 
reconciliation  between  them  and  Dr.  Meyer,  and  also  between  them  and 
the  part  of  the  congregation  which  adheres  to  Dr.  Meyer,  and  we  request 
the  brethren  further  to  urge  this  subject  upon  them. 

Article  5  ad  15. 
That  the  churches  which  shall  stand  aloof  should  sign  the  Articles  of 
Union  as  early  as  may   be,  and  that  the   difference  in  reference  to  the 
15th  Article  may  be  adjusted  in  love  as  soon  as  possible. 

Article  18. 
When  the  list  shall  be  received  by  us,  care  will  be  taken  that  it  be 
placed  in  the  "  Naam  Register."  May  the  Great  King  of  the  Church 
have  his  eye  over  you  and  your  Church  for  good.  Our  heartfelt  prayers 
are  that  many  among  you  may  be  born  in  Zion,  and  that  they  may  be 
established  and  edified.  With  assurance  of  high  respect,  we  remain 
yours  in  brotherly  attachment.  Rev.,  beloved  and  respected  brethren, ' 
Your  obedient  servants  and  brethren. 

In  the  name  of  the  Deputati  Classis  Amste.,  ad  res  exieras, 
R.  A.  Ten  Brink,  Eccles.  Amst.,  P.  pt.  dep.,  ad  res  ext. 
Amsterdam,  June  15,  1774, 


Note  22.     Page  82. 

Letter  From  Prof.  Bonnet,  of  Utrecht  to  R.  A.  Ten  Brink,  &c., 

June  9,  1774. 
Rev.  and  Learned  Sir : — 

This  morning  I  first  laid  the  letter  you  addressed  to  me  before  the 
Theological  Faculty,  and  this  evening  I  transmit  a  letter  to  you  in  their 
behalf.  In  their  name  I  inform  you  that  they  are  unanimously  of  opinion 
with  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  that  Dr  Livingston  must  be  regarded 
above  all  others  as  best  adapted  for  the  Professorship  in  New  York  and 
New  Jersey,  on  account  of  his  qualifications  for  the  ofhce,  his  peculiar 
acquaintance  with  the  languages,  names,  and  peculiar  circumstances  of 
the  country,  which  in  reference  to  the  successful  prosecution  of  the 
office,  must  all  be  taken  into  account.  In  these  he  must  greatly  excel 
any  one  who  might  be  called  from  here,  though  superior  in  learning. 
The  Faculty  also  coincides  in  judgment  with  the  Rev.  Classis,  that  in 
case  Dr.  Livingston  should  not  be  acceptable  to  the  General  Synod,  or  in 
case  he  should  be  himself  disinclined  to  accept  the  office,  more  definite 
information  respecting  the  salary,  etc.,  should  be  transmitted,  before  we 
can  present  the  matter  to  any  one  in  this  country  with  hope  of  success. 

Having  thus  complied   with  your  request,  I  have   the  honor,  with 


350  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

prayer  for  a  rich  divine  blessing  upon  the  Rev.  Classis,  in  her  transac- 
tions in  reference  to  this  important  matter,  to  subscribe  myself  yours, 
with  great  respect  and  affection,  G.  Bonnet. 


Note  23.     Page  82. 

Letter    of  the   Trustees    of  Queens  College  to  the  Synod, 
On  the  Professorate. 

To  the  Reverend  Synod  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  of  the  States 
of  New  York  and  New  Jersey. 

Reverend  Fathers  and  Gentlemen  :-^ 

Confidently  assured  that  whatever  is  calculated  to  promote  the  inter- 
ests of  learning  and  religion  will  meet  with  the  most  deliberate  atten- 
tion of  your  reverend  Assembly,  We,  the  Trustees  of  Queens  College  in 
New  Jersey,  beg  leave  to  address  you  on  a  subject  which  claims  the 
name  of  important  on  that  consideration. 

The  Institution  of  which  we  are  appointed  the  guardians,  was  erected 
not  only  for  the  good  of  society  in  general,  but  expressly  and  princi- 
pally to  advance  the  interests  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  in  this 
part  of  the  world.  It  is  not  necessary  for  us  to  describe  the  difficulties 
with  which  it  has  had  to  engage,  or  to  enumerate  the  many  obstacles 
which  have  prevented  its  advancement.  It  is  enough  that  every  person 
of  observation  knows  that  it  has  hitherto  been  supported  by  the  vol- 
untary contributions  of  a  few  congregations  in  the  neighborhood  of 
New  Brunswick,  and  has  never  yet  met  with  any  favorable  exertions  of 
the  Dutch  Church  at  large  ;  that  when  just  emerging  from  obscurity,  a 
desolatmg  war  commenced,  a  war  cruel  in  all  respects,  but  particularly 
inimical  to  the  Muses.  Every  Seminary  on  the  Continent  greatly  suf- 
fered, and  this  infant  Institution  went  near  to  destruction.  It  has  how- 
ever, been  kept  from  total  annihilation  by  our  leaving  no  means  unes- 
sayed  to  preserve  it  in  being,  trusting  that  when  it  should  please  the 
Almighty  Disposer  of  all  events  to  restore  to  us  the  blessing  of  peace, 
an  institution  erected  for  such  beneficial  purposes  to  society  in  general, 
and  the  Dutch  Church  in  particular,  would  no  longer  have  cause  to 
complain  of  its  being  left  unnoticed  and  unsupported. 

This  happy  and  long  wished-for  time  has  at  length  arrived,  and  it  has 
pleased  the  benignant  Father  of  mercies  to  put  a  period  to  the  horrors  of 
war.  Whilst  we  sincerely  congratulate  your  Reverend  Assembly  on  this 
glorious  event,  and  join  with  you  in  adoring  that  gracious  Providence 
which  has  crowned  our  important  struggle  with  brilliant  success,  we 
consider  ourselves  called  upon  to  renew  and  redouble  our  exertions  for 
the  good  of  the  Seminary  entrusted  to  our  care. 

Whatever  difference  of  sentiment  may  formerly  have  prevailed  among 
the  Dutch  Clergy  respecting  this  institution,  and  whatever  evils   this 


APPENDIX.  351 

want  of  union  may  have  produced,  we  conceive  the  present  posture  of 
affairs  loudly  calls  on  them  to  lay  aside  every  partial  consideration,  and 
cordially  to  unite  for  the  support  of  a  Seminary  from  which  such  essen- 
tial benefits  may  be  derived  to  the  Church.  The  rapid  and  amazing  in- 
crease of  Deism,  irreligion,  and  latitudinarian  principles,  calls  on  you, 
Reverend  Sirs,  as  Christians,  to  promote  the  good  of  an  institution  which 
may  supply  the  Church  with  an  able  ministry;  and  the  apparent  improba- 
bility of  procuring  a  charter  of  incorporation  for  a  Dutch  Seminary  in 
any  other  place,  added  to  the  mere  partial  advantages  the  Dutch 
Church  can  expect  from  other  Seminaries,  calls  for  your  attention  to  the 
interests  of  Queens  College  in  New  Jersey. 

In  short,  Rev.  Sirs.  Queens  College  was  erected,  as  we  have  before  ob- 
served, to  advance  the  interest  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  in  this 
western  world,  and  has  ever  been  considered  as  the  child  of  that 
Church  ;  we  cast  it.  therefore,  into  the  bosom  of  its  parent.  If  she  will 
nourish  and  support  it.  success  must  attend  her  efforts,  and  in  process  of 
time  this  Seminary  may  become  great  in  lustre  and  utility  ;  but  if  she 
disregards  it,  as  of  little  importance  and  refuses  to  afford  us  aid  for  its 
support,  its  dissolution  must  ensue,  and  the  evils  arising  from  its  ruin  to 
the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  in  America,  though  evident  to  every  ob- 
server, cannot  be  laid  to  our  charge. 

Trusting,  therefore,  that  your  reverend  Assembly  will  view  this  sub- 
ject in  the  same  light  with  us,  and  that  impressed  with  a  proper  concern 
for  the  sound  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Church  which  you  repre- 
sent, you  will  cheerfully  determine  to  patronize  the  institution  entrusted 
to  our  care,  and  to  afford  us  the  most  speedy  and  effectual  assistance, 
we  take  the  liberty  to  make  a  few  proposals  for  your  consideration. 

Firstly.  We  conceive  that  immediate  measures  should  be  adopted 
jointly  by  the  Synod  and  the  Board  of  Trustees,  to  augment  the  fund 
of  the  College  by  subscriptions  among  ourselves. 

Secondly.  That  as  soon  as  shall  be  thought  proper,  persons  commis- 
sioned by  the  Synod  and  Board  be  sent  to  solicit  donations  from  the 
parent  Church  in  Holland. 

Thirdly.  That  a  person  recommended  by  the  reverend  Synod,  be  as 
soon  as  possible  appointed  Professor  of  Divinity  in  this  College. 

Fourthly.  As  the  interests  of  the  Institution  greatly  require  the 
superintendence  of  a  president,  we  have  elected  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dirck 
Romeyn  to  that  office,  whose  acceptance  we  trust  your  reverend  Body 
will  deem  proper  to  promote. 

These  measures  jointly  adopted  we  are  well  assured  will  be  attended 
with  the  most  desirable  effects,  and  will  answer  by  their  success,  our 
most  sanguine  wishes.  We  hope  and  trust  therefore.  Reverend  Sirs,  that 
you  will  take  the  subject  into  your  serious  consideration,  and  that  actu- 
ated by  a  becoming  zeal  for  the  promotion  of  learning  and  religion, 
you  will  bestow  that  time  upon  the  discussion  of  it,  which  its  great 
importance  so  evidently  demands. 


352  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

May  the  God  of  truth  direct  and  influence  you  in  all  your  deliber- 
ations, and  may  He  bless  your  proceedings  to  the  honor  of  His  name 
and  the  good  of  His  Church. 

We  are,  Reverend  Fathers  and  Gentlemen,  with   the   most   profound 
respect,  your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servants, 
By  order  of  the  Board, 

John  Neilson,  President,/,  t. 
May  \^th,  1784. 

Note  24.    Page  83. 

First   Election   of  Professors. 
Synodical  Action,  1784. 

The  subject  of  the  Professorate,  to  which  it  had  not  been  possible  to 
attend  for  a  considerable  time,  by  reason  of  various  hindrances,  being 
taken  up  at  this  Meeting,  with  desires  directed  to  God  for  necessaiy 
guidance  and  direction  in  this  very  weighty  matter  ;  to  throw  light  upon 
the  subject,  the  President  not  only  read  all  the  Acts  at  the  various  Gen- 
eral Meetings  relative  thereto,  together  with  all  other  collateral  matter, 
as  namely:  an  address  of  the  respected  Trustees  of  Queens  College,  at 
New  Brunswick,  commending  that  Academy  to  the  care  of  the  Rev. 
Body ;  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Consistory  at  Schenectady,  containing  an 
advantageous  offer  for  the  establishment  of  a  Seminary  in  that  place  ; 
an  Act  of  the  honorable  Assembly  of  the  State  of  New  York,  and  a  pro- 
posal from  various  inhabitants  of  Hackensack  in  relation  to  the  College 
of  New  Brunswick,  in  case  of  its  removal.  But  for  a  fuller  opening  of 
the  subject,  the  Rev.  Brethren  gave  their  advice  in  respect  to  what  they 
judged  necessary  and  serviceable  for  the  education  of  youth  in  all  the 
preparatory  sciences,  as  well  as  in  the  Hebrew  language  and  the  various 
parts  of  Sacred  Theology. 

The  Rev.  Body,  having  deliberated  upon  the  subject,  saw  fit  here- 
upon to  appoint  a  commission  to  draft  the  resolutions  of  this  Rev.  Body 
in  relation  to  the  Professorate,  and  lay  them  on  the  table  of  this  Body. 
Said  commission  was  appointed,  viz.:  Rev.  Messrs.  Jacob  R.  Harden- 
bergh,  Deputatus  Synodi,  Jo.  H.  Livingston,  Isaac  Rysdyk,  as  also 
Messrs.  Joannes  Jansen,  Joannes  Freer,  and  Jacobus  Swartwoud ;  which 
committee  presented  the  following  : 

1.  "  That  since,  for  the  attainment  of  the  salutary  object  had  in  view 
in  the  appointment  of  one  or  more  Professors,  studies  preparatory  to 
Theology  are  absolutely  necessary,  attention  should  at  the  same  time  be 
directed  to  one  or  more  seminaries  or  schools  for  the  instruction  of 
young  gentlemen  proposing  to  apply  themselves  to  theological  studies. 

2.  {a.)  And  since  already  for  many  years  there  has  been  a  school  es- 
tablished at  New  Brunswick,  in  the  Jerseys,  which  as  early  as  Anno 
Domini,  1773,  was  received  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Body,  but  by  rea- 
son of  various  obstacles  and  delays,  and  of  the  recent  war,  it  has  not 


APPENDIX.  353 

been  possible  to  bring  matters  to  a  completion,  this  Rev.  Body,  deliber- 
ating thereupon,  finally  resolve,  according  to  their  ability,  in  the  speed- 
iest manner  to  carrj'  it  forward. 

(d.)  As  regards  the  advantageous  offer  made  to  this  Rev.  Body  in  the 
name  of  the  respectable  congregation  of  Schenectady,  in  relation  to  the 
establishment  there,  as  a  very  convenient  place  and  at  a  proper  distance 
from  Queens  College,  of  a  Seminary  or  College  under  the  oversight 
and  patronage  of  this  Rev.  Body,  the  Rev.  Body  joyfully  accept  said  of- 
fer, and  resolve  in  like  manner,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  so  far  as  the 
times  and  circumstances  permit,  cheerfully  to  do  all  in  their  power  to- 
wards the  promotion  of  such  a  College  at  Schenectady. 

(c.)  With  reference  to  one  or  more  Professors  in  Theology,  this  Rev. 
Body  resolve  to  appoint  a  Professor  of  Theology  in  the  City  of  New 
York  ;  and  since,  through  the  unfavorable  nature  of  the  times,  the  Rev. 
Body  is  not  in  condition  to  call  a  Professor  upon  a  sufficient  income,  it 
is  hoped  that  the  Rev.  Consistory  of  New  York  will  make  the  best  ar- 
rangement in  relation  to  it. 

(//.)  The  Rev.  Body,  considering  the  necessity  for  a  knowledge  of  the 
Hebrew  language  to  the  proper  discharge  of  the  holy  ministry,  resolve 
for  the  assistance  of  the  Professor  and  the  instruction  of  the  students  in 
that  sacred  language,  to  appoint  for  the  purpose  one  of  the  ministerial 
brethren  who  shall  be  judged  best  qualified,  to  whom  the  students  of 
Theology  shall,  if  possible,  resort." 

The  Rev.  Body  having  thanked  the  gentlemen  of  the  committee  for 
their  labor,  and  carefully  considered  the  draft  presented,  accepted  it, 
and  resolved  respecting  the  particular  points  contained  in  it,  as  fol- 
lows : 

1.  That  for  w-eighty  reasons  stated,  the  Rev.  Body  is  of  opinion  that 
the  removal  of  Queen's  College  is  impracticable ;  and  from  the  fact  that 
the  Rev.  Body  have  received  it  as  an  object  of  their  care,  they  recom- 
mend to  the  Trustees  to  employ  all  diligence  and  care  to  keep  alive,  and 
according  to  opportunity,  to  promote  the  upbuilding  of  said  College, 
until,  in  Providence,  an  increase  of  funds  can  be  procured,  to  which  the 
Rev.  Body  promise  to  render  assistance. 

2.  For  the  accomplishment  of  the  matter  relative  to  Schenectady,  the 
Rev.  Body  appoint  a  committee  to  be  associated  with  the  Rev.  Consist- 
ory of  Schenectady  in  promoting  and  carrying  into  effect  said  business 
in  the  speediest  and  best  manner.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Jacob  R.  Harden- 
bergh,  Eilardus  Westerlo,  Thomas  Romeyn,  and  Elias  Van  Bunschooten, 
are  appointed  said  committee. 

3.  As  regards  the  third  point,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Joannes  H.  Livingston, 
Doctor  of  Sacred  Theology  and  Minister  at  New  York,  is  by  this  Rev. 
Body  unanimously  appointed  Professor  of  Sacred  Theology  in  the  city 
of  New  York,  under  whose  care  the  students  will  be  required  to  place 
themselves  for  the  study  of  Sacred  Theology,  or  at  least  the  completion 
of  their  stndies.     From  this  Professor,  students  of  Theology  shall  be  re- 

23 


354  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

quired  to  bring  a  certificate  whenever  they  desire  to  be  admitted  to  the 
preparatory  examination,  for  which  certificate,  as  a  suitable  honorarium, 
the  students  shall  present  to  the  Professor  at  least  five  pounds  ;  and  in 
case  any  students  have  commenced  their  studies  at  other  places,  it  is  en- 
joined upon  them  to  exhibit  to  said  Professor  a  certificate  of  the  com- 
mencement of  their  studies,  with,  however,  this  restriction,  that  no  cer- 
tificates shall  be  received  by  the  Professor  which  are  given  by  persons 
who  do  not  belong  to  the  body  of  our  Church  as  members  of  this  Ec- 
clesiastical Assembly.  Of  the  said  Professorate,  a  regular  Diploma  is 
executed,  approved,  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Rev.  Professor. 

And  since  the  services  which  this  Rev.  Body,  in  their  call  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Livingston,  as  Professor  of  Sacred  Theology,  have  imposed  upon 
him,  necessarily  will  require  some  dispensation  from  his  otherwise  ne- 
cessary ecclesiastical  functions,  this  Rev.  Body  ordain,  that  a  respectful 
address  be  presented  in  their  name  to  the  Rev.  Consistory  of  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church  in  this  city,  by  a  committee  to  be  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  informing  them  of  the  Professorial  call  made  upon  their 
highly  esteemed  pastor,  and  requesting  them  to  make  every  possible  ar- 
rangement to  afford  him  opportunity,  according  to  the  demands  of  duty 
in  that  position,  to  accomplish  the  salutary  object  of  the  Body,  for  the 
advancement  of  the  welfare  of  our  beloved  Church,  in  hope  that  they 
will  also  contribute  all  in  their  power  for  the  support  of  our  Dutch  Re- 
formed Church  in  this  portion  of  the  world  ;  on  which  business  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  J.  R.  Hardenbergh,  Isaac  Rysdyk,  Isaac  Blauvelt,  and  Benjamin 
Du  Bois  are  appointed  a  committee. 

4.  With  respect  to  the  appointment  of  one  of  the  ministers  as  Instruc- 
tor of  the  Students  in  the  inspired  languages.  Dr.  Hermanus  Meyer, 
Minister  at  Pompton  and  Totowa,  is  appointed  thereto. 

Note  25.    Pages  83,  84. 
Election  of  Dr.  Livingston  by  the  Trustees. 

Extracts  from  the  Proceedings  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Queens 
College  in  New  Jersey,  convened  at  New  Brunswick,  May  loth,  1785. 

"  Extracts  from  the  Proceedings  of  the  Rev.  Synod  of  the  Dutch 
Reformed  Churches  in  the  States  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  holden 
in  the  years  1773  and  1784,  were  read,  containing  the  9th,  13th  and  i6th 
articles  expressing  the  sense  of  the  Rev.  Synod  on  the  Professorship  in 
this  Institution,  on  the  impracticability  of  removing  it  from  its  present 
establishment  in  New  Brunswick,  recommending  to  the  Trustees  a  dili- 
gent attention  to  its  interests,  and  promising  their  aid  in  procuring  an 
augmentation  of  its  funds.  Whereupon  the  Board  entered  into  the  fol- 
lowing determinations : 

I.  That  an  immediate  increase  of  the  funds  of  this  College  ought  to 
be  attempted  by  every  possible  exertion,  as  on  that  principally  its  con- 
tinuing in  existence  depends. 


APPENDIX.  355 

2.  That  upon  the  union  of  the  Dutch  Churches  for  the  support  of 
this  Institution,  and  their  agreeing  to  promote  subscriptions  among 
themselves  for  the  increase  of  its  funds,  it  will  be  highly  proper  for  this 
Board,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  Rev.  Synod  to  call  immediately 
some  well-qualified  person  to  be  Professor  of  Divmity  and  the  Presi- 
dent of  this  College. 

3.  That  this  Board  are  ready  and  willing  to  comply  with  the  several 
requisitions  of  the  Rev.  Synod,  holden  in  the  year  1773,  respecting  the 
Professorship  of  Divinity  in  this  Institution,  and  the  binding  themselves 
to  refund  the  money  received  from  the  State  of  New  York,  in  case  it 
shall  be  employed  for  the  support  of  any  other  Professors  of  Divinity 
than  those  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church. 

4.  That  the  Rev.  Johannes  M.  Van  Harlingen,  the  Rev.  Simon  Van 
Artsdalen  and  Mr.  John  Schureman  be  a  Committee  to  recommend  the 
interests  of  this  Seminary  to  the  Rev.  Synod  at  their  next  meeting; 
that  they  assure  them  of  the  earnest  wishes  of  this  Board  to  promote 
an  Institution  so  happily  calculated  for  the  benefit  of  the  Dutch  Re- 
formed Church  in  America  in  particular,  and  the  good  of  society  in  gen- 
eral, and  that  the  said  Committee  be  authorized  to  agree  with  the  Rev. 
Synod  upon  a  plan  best  adapted  to  procure  the  necessary  augmentation 
of  the  funds,  to  nominate  persons  approved  by  the  Synod,  to  set  on  foot 
and  promote  subscriptions  in  the  several  Dutch  congregations,  or  else- 
where in  America,  and  that  upon  the  Rev.  Synod's  concurrence  and 
adoption  of  any  effectual  plan  for  raising  money  for  the  use  of  this  In- 
stitution to  inform  them  that  this  Board  have,  upon  mature  deliberation, 
resolved  to  nominate  the  Rev.  Johannes  H.  Livingston,  D.D.,  as  Profes- 
sor of  Divinity  and  President  of  Queens  College,  and  that  upon  this 
nomination  receiving  the  approbation  of  the  Rev.  Synod,  and  upon  such 
measures  being  adopted  for  the  increase  of  its  funds,  as  will  probably  be 
attended  with  success,  they  will  proceed  to  call  him  to  those  stations  in 
the  Institution.  James  Schureman, 

Clerk  of  the  Board. 

Note  26.    Page  85. 

Synodical  Action. 

Proposition  to  Change  the  Location  of  Queens  College,  1794. 

The  Synod  appointed  the  following  members  a  Committee  to  consult 
on  this  business,  and  report  during  the  present  session,  viz :  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Dirck  Romeyn,  Rev.  Messrs.  Solomon  Froligh  and  Elias  Van  Bun- 
schooten ;  with  the  Elders  Henry  Vanwyer,  James  Abeel  and  Evert 
Bancker. 

The  Committee  submitted  to  the  Rev.  Synod  the  following  report  as 
the  result  of  their  deliberations  : 

I.  That  it  is  high  time  to  bring  this  important  matter  to  a  conclusion. 
Ten  years  have  elapsed  since  the  Professor  was  appointed,  and  no  effect- 


356  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

ive  arrangements  have  yet  been  made  to  enable  him  to  fulfill  the  duties 
of  his  appointment.  The  place  where  the  Divinity  hall  is  to  be  opened, 
the  salary  to  be  allowed  the  Professor,  and  some  productive  measures  to 
insure  a  sufficient  fund,  ought,  without  further  delay,  to  be  now  deter- 
mined. 

2.  That  in  order  to  establish  a  union  of  the  Professorate  with  Queens 
College,  which  has  hitherto  been  judged  practicable  and  advisable,  it  is 
the  opinion  of  the  Committee  that  it  will  be  necessary  to  remove  the 
College  from  its  present  situation  and  bring  it  to  some  place  more  ac- 
cessible and  nearer  to  the  great  body  of  the  churches  which  lie  in  the 
northern  parts  of  the  State  of  New  York.  Your  Committee  therefore 
recommend  that  it  should  be  fixed  in  the  town  of  Bergen,  or  at  such 
other  place  still  further  to  the  north,  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  as  may 
be  agreed  upon  between  the  Trustees  of  the  College  and  the  General 
Synod. 

3.  That  to  effect  this  removal  of  the  College,  a  Committee  be  ap- 
pointed on  the  part  of  this  General  Synod  to  confer  with  the  Trustees, 
and  endeavor  to  persuade  them  to  relinquish  the  present  place  in  which 
the  College  is  fixed,  and  to  meet  the  wishes  of  the  General  Synod  in  a 
location  that  will  be  more  commodious  for  the  benefit  of  the  churches. 

4.  That,  as  the  overtures  made  to  the  Trustees  of  the  College  may 
prove  unsuccessful,  the  General  Synod  ought  now  to  determine  that  in 
such  case  the  place  where  the  Divinity  Hall  shall  be  opened,  without 
being  connected  with  any  College  whatever,  shall  be  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  city  of  New  York :  where  the  students  may  find  all  the  benefits  of 
cheapness  and  retirement  peculiar  to  a  village,  and  yet  be  sufliiciently 
near  the  metropolis  to  reap  the  advantages  arising  from  a  free  and  easy 
intercourse  with  the  literary  and  public  characters  which  abound  in  a 
city. 

5.  That  your  Committee,  after  mature  consideration,  are  of  opinion 
that  the  town  of  Flatbush,  upon  Long  Island,  is  a  proper  place  where 
the  Divinity  Hall  may  be  opened,  and  therefore  recommend  the  same 
to  Synod  for  that  purpose.  A  flourishing  Academy  is  there  established, 
which  will  afford  an  opportunity  for  the  students  in  Theology  to  revise 
their  studies,  and  advance  in  collateral  branches  of  education  :  and 
Flatbush  comprises  all  the  advantages  resulting  from  a  village  situated 
near  a  city. 

6.  That  in  the  present  situation  of  the  Professorate,  while  the  Synod  is 
destitute  of  funds  to  render  their  appointment  independent,  and  while 
the  Professor  remains  in  any  measure  connected  with  the  congregation 
at  New  York,  means  should  be  used  to  prevail  upon  that  Consistory  and 
congregation  to  consent  to  dispense  with  a  part  of  the  parochial  duties 
of  the  Professor,  and  obtain  from  them,  for  the  benefit  of  all  the 
churches,  that  he  shall  be  held  to  preach  only  once  on  every  Lord's 
day,  and  attend  the  Consistorial  meetings  when  necessary  and  con- 


APPENDIX.  357 

venient ;  but  that  the  remainder  of  his  time  and  labor,  which  may  be 
four  days  in  every  week,  shall  be  by  him  devoted  to  the  immediate  busi- 
ness of  his  appointment  as  Professor  in  Theology. 

7.  That  for  this  purpose  a  committee  be  also  appointed,  to  confer  with 
the  Professor  and  the  Consistory  of  the  church  at  New  York,  and  to 
make  such  arrangements  with  the  said  Consistory,  in  relation  to  the  sal- 
ary of  the  Professor,  as  shall  be  honorable  and  equitable. 

8.  That  upon  settling  what  may  be  necessary'  with  the  congregation 
of  New  York,  the  Professor  be  requested  to  embrace  the  first  prudent 
measures  of  retiring  to  any  place  contiguous  to  the  said  city,  which  he 
may  judge  most  convenient  and  eligible  for  prosecuting  the  important 
purposes  of  the  Professorate,  as  long  as  he  remains  connected  with  the 
ministerial  duties  in  the  city;  and  the  Synod  engages  to  give  him  all 
their  support  and  countenance,  while  they  strenuously,  in  the  meanwhile 
exert  themselves  to  obtain  the  means  for  fixing  him  in  a  proper  and  in- 
dependent manner,  at  the  place  determined  on  as  the  most  suitable  for 
a  Divinity  Hall. 

9.  That  the  General  Synod  do  immediately  and  without  delay,  take 
the  most  effectual  measures  for  raising  a  fund  to  render  their  Professor- 
ate independent  of  any  particular  or  individual  congregation ;  and  for 
that  purpose,  the  committee  recommend  that  the  former  resolution  re- 
specting collections  to  be  made  in  all  the  churches,  which  was  revived 
in  the  last  Particular  Synod,  be  now  adopted,  and  made  to  originate 
with  renewed  vigor  from  this  General  Synod  ;  with  this  variation  only, 
that  instead  of  constituting  the  Consistory  of  New  York  the  keepers  of 
the  fund  to  be  raised,  there  be  three  persons  joined  with  Mr.  Peter  Wil- 
son, who  shall  be  Trustees  for  that  purpose,  until  some  other  measures 
be  adopted  by  the  General  Synod  for  rendering  the  agency  in  that  busi- 
ness more  safe  and  easy. 

10.  That  as  it  is  the  object  and  wish  of  the  Synod  to  obtain  the  assist- 
ance of  more  than  one  professor  as  soon  as  the  churches  shall  put  it  in 
the  power  of  the  Synod  to  maintain  more,  so  the  Committee  recommend 
that  this  be  held  up  to  the  public  view  as  an  inducement  to  increase  the 
funds  and  render  them  enough  to  support,  not  only  one,  but  a  sufficient 
number,  if  possible,  to  constitute  a  Faculty  of  Theology. 

11.  As  it  appears  from  representation  made  to  this  General  Synod,  by 
a  Committee  from  the  Trustees  of  Queens  College,  that  no  union  of  that 
Institution  with  Trustees  of  Princeton  College  has  taken  place,  or  will 
probably  be  ever  again  attempted,  the  Committee  recommend  that  the 
act  of  the  last  Particular  Synod,  prohibiting  the  payment  of  certain 
moneys  collected  under  the  patronage  of  the  Synod  conditionally  in 
favor  of  the  College  at  Brunswick,  be  no  longer  in  force  ;  but  that  the 
persons  holding  any  moneys  thus  collected,  do  forthwith  remit  the  same 
to  the  Trustees  of  Queens  College,  or  pay  them  to  their  order.  This  re- 
port being  read  and  maturely  considered  by  the  General  Synod,  was 


358  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

unanimously  adopted,  and  it  was  Resolved,  That  the  same,  without  any 
variation,  do  pass  into  an  Act  of  Synod. 

The  Synod  further  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Solomon,  Froligh, 
Nicholas  Lansing,  and  Benjamin  Du  Bois,  be  a  Committee  to  confer  with 
the  Trustees  of  Queens  College  upon  the  subject-matter  contained  in 
the  above  resolutions,  and  if  the  said  Trustees  comply  with  the  re- 
quisitions of  Synod  within  the  space  of  three  months  from  this  day,  that 
the  Committee  be  authorized  and  enjoined  to  request  the  President  to 
call  an  Extraordinary  Meeting  of  the  General  Synod  at  New  York,  as 
soon  as  possible. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Solomon  Froligh,  Reynier  Van  Nest. 
and  Peter  Stryker,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  the  Professor  and  the 
Consistory  of  New  York. 

Resolved,  That  Peter  Wilson,  John  Vanderbilt,  Robert  Benson,  and 
Richard  Varick,  Esqs.,  be  appointed  Trustees  on  the  part  and  in  behalf 
of  the  Synod  ;  and  that  all  bonds,  mortgages,  and  securities  shall  be 
taken  in  their  names  as  trustees  for  this  purpose. 

In  order  to  promote  with  energy  and  success  the  obtaining  of  a  fund, 
it  is  ordered  that  the  Secretaries  of  Synod  cause  a  copy  of  this  article 
to  be  sent  to  every  congregation  under  the  care  of  and  in  immediate  con- 
nection with  this  Synod.  And  it  is  enjoined  upon  all  the  ministers  and 
Consistories  to  exert  themselves  in  supporting  an  appointment  essenti- 
ally connected  with  the  constitution  and  welfare  of  the  Reformed 
Church,  It  is  also  ordered  that  the  respective  Consistories,  upon 
receiving  benefactions  for  the  Professorate  fund,  do  directly  transmit 
the  moneys  to  Peter  Wilson,  Esq.,  at  Flatbush,  who  will,  as  agent  for 
the  Synod,  and  with  the  advice  of  the  other  Trustees,  dispose  of  the 
same  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  judged  to  be  most  secure  and  produc- 
tive. 

Answer  of  the  Trustees. 

The  Board  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  application  of  Synod  to 
remove  this  Institution  to  Bergen  :  Their  stipulations  with  this  Board  of 
1773  &  74  and  extracts  from  their  minutes  of  5th  Oct.,  1784,  and  their 
answer  to  the  resolutions  of  this  Board  of  the  loth  May,  1785,  were  sev- 
erally read. 

Whereupon.  Resolved,  that  no  reasonable  expectations  can  be  enter- 
tained from  the  exertions  of  the  Rev.  Synod  for  the  better  support  of 
this  College  in  any  other  place  than  it  has  hitherto  experienced,  and 
therefore. 

Resolved,  That  this  Board  cannot  comply  with  the  request  of  Synod 
to  remove  this  College  to  Bergen  or  elsewhere. 

Extract  from  the  Minutes, 

Jacob  R.  Hardenbergh,  Clerk. 

New  Brunswick,  August  13th,  1794. 


APPENDIX.  359 

Note  27.    Page  86. 

Letter   from  the  Professor  laid  before  the  Particular 
Synod,  1796.* 
To  the  Rez>.  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  America  : 

That  the  Church  is  greatly  interested  in  obtaining  a  succession  of 
ministers,  well  established  in  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  and  capable  of 
defending  them,  is  so  obvious,  that  every  denomination  of  Christians 
esteems  it  a  duty  to  make  the  most  strenuous  efforts  for  securing 
that  desirable  object.  Of  this,  the  Reformed  Dutch  Churches  in  Eu- 
rope have  always  been  deeply  convinced,  and  their  singular  attention 
to  the  education  of  candidates  for  the  ministry  has  been  the  means  of 
preserving  their  respectability  and  purity.  Of  this  also,  the  same 
Churches  in  America  appear,  from  their  earliest  settlement,  to  have 
known  and  felt  the  importance.  They  were  the  first  who  contemplated 
a  public  institution,  for  the  express  purpose  of  affording  a  regular  edu- 
cation in  Theology,  and  had  they  persevered,  they  might  at  this  day 
have  had  an  establishment  that  would  have  done  honor  to  themselves, 
and  been  extensively  useful.  The  Dutch  Church,  from  a  variety  of 
circumstances,  seemed  to  be  particularly  designated  by  Divine  Provi- 
dence to  effect  this  work.  The  fullest  confidence  was  placed  in  their 
orthodoxy  ;  the  expectation  of  the  public  was  raised,  and  other  Churches 
were  waiting  with  approbation  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  plan.  A 
Professor  of  Divinity  was  the  principal  article  which  the  union  of  the 
Dutch  Churches  in  1771  guaranteed.  They  pledged  themselves  to  the 
Churches  in  Holland  to  bring  it  into  immediate  effect,  and  their  govern- 
ment has  proceeded  ever  since,  and  is  now  actually  founded  upon  the 
supposition  that  all  the  students  have  obtained  a  regular  education  in 
Theology.  The  system  which  had  been  interrupted  during  the  war 
was  in  1784  maturely  organized,  and  an  appointment  to  the  office  of 
Professor  of  Theology  completed;  resolutions  to  oblige  the  students  to 
attend  his  lectures,  were  renewed,  and  the  Synod  was  solemnly  engaged 
to  support  the  Institution.  It  was  then  conceived  that  the  establish- 
ment would  and  ought  to  exist  alone,  without  any  connection  with  a 
College,  and  resolutions  were  passed  to  call  upon  all  the  Churches  to 
raise  a  fund,  the  interest  of  which  would  suffice  for  the  independent 
maintenance  of  the  Professorate.  This  subject  has  continually  been 
brought  forward,  and  the  minutes  of  ever>^  session  will  testify  with  what 
attachment  and  zeal  the  repeated  determinations  in  its  favor  were  made. 
One  plan  after  another  has  been  formed,  and  at  length  that  fixed  upon 
in  the  last  General  Synod  appeared  to  be  unanimous,  adequate,  and 
final.  From  a  conviction  that  the  Institution  was  necessarj'  to  the  gov- 
ernment and  well-being  of  our  Churches,  and  at  the  pressing  request  of 
the  Synod,  I  accepted  of  the  office,  with  all  its  burdens,  in  full  confidence 

Dr.  Livingston  was  elected  by  the  o'd   Provisional  (or  Particular)  Synod,  and 
re-elected  by  the  recently  constituted  General  Synod  in  1804. 


360  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

of  receiving  the  promised  support  and  countenance.  Amidst  the  cares 
of  the  ministry,  and  weighty  parish  duties,  I  have  endeavored,  even  to 
the  injury  of  my  health,  to  fulfill  also  those  of  the  Professorate,  and 
twelve  years  have  elapsed,  during  which  I  have  continued  my  labors,  in 
the  firm  expectation  of  having  the  Institution  brought  to  a  respectable 
issue.  The  Synod  repeatedly  desired  me,  as  soon  as  I  could  find  it  prac- 
ticable, to  relinquish  a  part  of  my  parochial  services,  and  retire  some 
little  distance  from  the  city,  for  the  better  attendance  and  accommoda- 
tion of  the  students  ;  and  for  this  purpose  a  formal  application  was 
made,  in  the  name  of  the  churches,  to  the  congregations  of  New  York 
to  obtain  their  consent  to  such  a  measure.  This,  at  length,  I  have  ef- 
fected, but  not  without  the  price  of  half  my  annual  salary.  It  was  fur- 
ther wished  that  the  retirement  might  be,  if  possible,  on  Long  Island, 
and  I  have,  in  compliance  with  this  wish,  although  it  is  attend- 
ed with  peculiar  inconveniences  to  myself,  removed  to  the  island,  where 
I  have  devoted  my  time  and  labors  more  extensively  than  before,  to  the 
students  of  Divinity,  whose  numbers  immediately  increased  to  more 
than  double.  At  the  session  held  in  May  last,  I  reported  what  I  had 
done.  Upon  that  occasion  it  was  reasonable  for  me  to  expect,  after 
making  such  sacrifices  to  comply  with  desire  of  Synod,  that  some  de- 
cisive steps  would  have  been  immediately  adopted,  to  carry  into  execu- 
tion the  determination  of  the  last  General  Synod,  or  at  least,  that  reso- 
lutions expressive  of  the  approbation  and  blessing  of  the  churches,  upon 
my  endeavors  to  serve  them  would  have  been  made  ;  but  the  report 
was  barely  minuted,  and  the  whole  passed  over  in  silence.  The  Pro- 
fessorate remains  thus  entirely  forsaken,  and  no  measures  are  pursued, 
or  even  proposed,  to  countenance  and  assist  the  Institution.  It  is  not 
my  intention  to  inquire  into  the  causes  which  have  produced  these  de- 
lays, much  less  to  exhibit  the  most  distant  complaint ;  but  it  is  time  that 
our  views  should  be  candidly  explained,  and  the  business  brought  to 
some  decided  point ;  and  to  obtain  this  alone,  I  have  briefly  stated  these 
facts,  and  now  lay  them  before  the  Synod.  If  it  be  conceived  that  a 
regular  course  of  lectures  in  Theology  is  not  necessary ;  if  the  Dutch 
Church  will  consent  to  be  beholden  to  other  denominations  for  the  edu- 
cation of  their  candidates;  or  if,  in  consequence  of  any  other  plan,  the 
present  Institution  is  to  be  abandoned,  let  it  be  explicitly  and  without 
delay  declared,  that  the  congregations  may  be  acquainted  with  the  de- 
cision, and  other  arrangements  to  supply  their  wants  be  immediately 
made.  But  if  no  alternative  is  suggested,  if  nothing  superior  or  equal 
is  proposed,  to  that  which  has  already  been  adopted,  and  for  the  ac- 
complishment of  which  the  Churches  have  repeatedly  pledged  their 
faith,  why  must  it  any  longer  languish  for  the  want  of  spirit  and  una- 
nimity, whilst  abundant  means  for  bringing  it  to  perfection  are  within 
our  reach  ?  That  I  am  not  at  all  anxious  on  my  own  account,  is  suf- 
ficiently evinced  by  the  silence  and  passive  waiting  which  have  marked 
my  whole  conduct  since  my  appointment  to  the  office  ;  but  I  confess  I 


APPENDIX.  361 

am  anxious  to  see  an  Institution  established,  of  whose  importance  I  am 
so  fully  convinced,  and  of  whose  future  existence  I  now  begin  to  doubt. 
I  am  very  anxious  for  the  reputation  and  honor  of  our  Churches,  which 
cannot,  in  justice  to  their  'numbers,  wealth,  and  character,  suffer  the 
whole  burden  of  preparing  their  candidates  to  rest  upon  one  individual 
member.  It  is  not  only  an  ungenerous,  but  a  precarious  source  of  de- 
pendence. An  individual  cannot  long  struggle  alone  against  the  dis- 
couragements which  arise  from  public  neglect;  and  it  is  impossible 
that  private  exertions,  however  successful  and  strenuous  they  may  be 
for  a  time,  can  answer  all  the  purposes  of  such  an  Institution.  It  must 
be  countenanced  by  public  bodies,  who  feel  an  interest  in  its  reputation, 
and  unite  their  combined  influence  to  support  and  recommend  it,  or  it 
can  never  be  prosecuted  with  vigor,  or  prove  extensively  beneficial. 
Upon  the  whole,  after  a  candid  and  partial  view  of  existing  facts,  and  of 
all  that  has  passed  upon  the  subject,  I  am  constrained  to  make  the  fol- 
lowing conclusions : 

1.  That  whatever  might  have  been  the  serious  resolution  of  thoseof  1771, 
who  formed  the  union,  or  of  those  of  1784,  who  established  the  Professor- 
ate, the  most  of  whom  are  now  entered  into  their  rest,  it  does  not  appear 
to  be  the  intention  of  our  churches  to  carry  the  Institution  into  effect. 

2.  That  as  long  as  I  continue  with  my  private  exertions  to  supply  the 
wants  of  the  public,  no  measures  will  be  executed  for  bringing  the  Pro- 
fessorate to  a  due  establishment.     And, 

3.  That  if  such  measures  are  suffered  to  slumber  much  longer,  the 
whole  Institution  will  sink  into  oblivion,  and  all  the  benefits  to  be  ex- 
pected from  it  be  inevitably  lost.  Under  these  impressions,  I  beg 
leave  to  consult  with  Synod,  whether,  if  nothing  is  done  in  their  pres- 
ent session  for  accomplishing  the  plan  adopted  in  the  last  General 
Synod,  it  will  not  be  proper  for  me  immediately  to  discontinue  my  labors, 
and  hold  no  more  lectures  for  the  students,  until  it  shall  be  known  what 
the  churches  determine,  or  whether  the  Synod  will  advise  me  to  perse- 
vere until  the  next  session  of  the  General  Synod,  when,  if  nothing  is 
efTected,  we  must  consider  the  public  countenance  to  be  finally  with- 
drawn, and  the  Institution  in  its  present  connection  wholly  and  forever 
deserted.  To  these  earnest  inquiries  I  am  assured  the  Synod  will  favor 
me  with  a  candid  reply,  and  direct  me  in  what  may  be  deemed  the  most 
advisable  for  advancing  the  real  interest  and  prosperity  of  our  churches. 
After  all  the  delays  which  have  attended  this  momentous  object,  I  most 
solemnly  declare,  that,  as  soon  as  proper  steps  are  taken  to  render  it  ef- 
ficient, I  will,  if  it  please  God  to  spare  me,  very  cheerfully  co-operate 
with  my  brethren,  and  be  ready,  as  I  now  am,  to  attend  the  students,  and 
spend  the  remainder  of  my  days  in  their  service. 

With  the  most  affectionate  attachment  to  the  Synod,  and  affectionate 
prayers  for  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  I  am  their 
brother  and  fellow-laborer  in  the  Gospel, 

(Signed)  J.  H.  Livingston. 


362  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Note  28.    Page  88, 

Election  of  Dr.  Livingston  as  Professor  of  Divinity  in  Colum- 
bia College  by  the  Dutch  Church  of  New  York. 

May  6th,  1803. 

Resolved,  That  a  Committtee  be  appointed  to  examine  and  report  to 
this  Board  respecting  the  expediency  of  appointing  a  Professor  of  Divin- 
ity in  Columbia  College  pursuant  to  the  additional  Charter  to  said  Col- 
lege under  the  great  seal  of  the  late  Colony  of  New  York,  on  the  30th 
of  May,  1755,  granting  a  right  to  this  Corporation  to  appoint  a  Profes- 
sor of  Divinity  in  said  College. 

Whereupon  the  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  for  that  purpose: 
Dr.  Linn,  Dr.  Wilson,  Mr.  Abeel,  Mr.  Benson  and  Mr.  Evertson. 

The  Secretary  was  directed  to  apply  to  Dr.  Livingston  for  whatever 
papers  may  be  in  his  possession  belonging  to  this  Board. 

Dr.  Wilson,  Mr.  Bronson  and  Mr.  Gilbert  were  appointed  to  examine 
said  papers  and  report  to  the  Board. 

May  12,  1803. 
The  Secretary  reported  that  agreeably  to  order  he  had  waited  on  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Livingston,  and  that  the  Doctor  informed  him  he  had  no  papers 
in  his  possession  belonging  to  Consistory',  in  consequence  of  which  the 
Committee  appointed  for  that  purpose  were  discharged. 

May  30,  1803. 

The  Consistory  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  Report  of  the 
Committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  expediency  of  appointing  a  Pro- 
fessor of  Divinity  in  Columbia  College,  pursuant  to  the  additional  Char- 
ter to  said  College,  or  letters  patent  under  the  great  seal  of  the  late 
Colony  of  New  York,  on  the  30th  of  May,  1755,  granting  a  right  to  this 
Corporation  to  appoint  a  Professor  of  Divinity  in  said  College,  and  after 
some  time  spent  therein  came  to  the  following  resolutions  : 

Resolved,  That  Consistory  in  view  of  a  right  granted  by  an  additional 
Charter  or  letters  patent  under  the  great  seal  of  the  late  Colony  of  New 
York  of  the  30th  of  May,  1755,  to  the  Body  Corporate  therein  styled — 
"  The  Governors  of  the  College  of  the  Province  of  New  York  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  in  America,  and  now  stiled.  The  Trustees  of  Colum- 
bia College  in  New  York,  do  nominate,  chuse  and  appoint  the  Rev. 
John  H.  Livingston,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Divinity  in  said  College  to  lec- 
ture in  Divinity  in  conformity  to  the  doctrine,  discipline  and  worship 
established  by  the  Synod  of  Dort,  provided  that  the  said  John  H.  Liv- 
ingston shall  agree  to  accept  the  said  place  or  office,  to  hold  the  same 
during  the  pleasure  of  this  Consistory. 

2.  Resolved,  That  this  Consistory  will  always  exercise  the  above- 
mentioned  right  to  appoint  a  Professor  of  Divinity  for  the  common  bene- 
fit of  all  the  churches  here,  conformably  to  the  doctrine,  discipline  and 
worship  of  the  Synod  of  Dort,  and  now  united  under  a  Synod  known  by 


APPENDIX.  363 

the  appellation  of  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Churches, 
and  therefore, 

3.  Ri-so/vvti,  Further,  that  if  said  John  H.  Livingston  shall  agree  to  ac- 
cept the  said  place  or  office  to  hold  the  same  during  the  will  and  pleas- 
ure of  this  Consistory,  and  if  he  will  further  agree  on  his  part  to  be  held 
amenable  to  the  Synod,  that  then  this  Consistory  will  agree  on  their  part 
that  they  will  not  at  any  time  remove  him  from  said  place  or  office  un- 
less the  Synod  shall  advise  or  adjudge  that  he  be  removed. 

4.  Resolved,  that  this  Consistory  will  never  exercise  the  above-men- 
tioned right  to  appoint  a  Professor  otherwise  than  as  they  have  done  on 
the  present  occasion  by  adopting  and  thereupon  appointing  a  person 
who  shall  at  the  time  be  a  Professor  of  Divinity  appointed  by  the 
Synod,  or  until  they  previously  submit  the  name  of  the  person  proposed 
to  be  appointed  to  the  Synod  and  obtain  their  approbation,  and  that 
they  will  always  cause  agreements  as  above  specified  to  take  place  be- 
tween them  and  the  person  to  be  appomted. 

5.  Resolved,  That  whenever  the  Synod  shall  advise  or  adjudge  that  the 
person  for  the  time  holding  said  place  or  office  ought  to  be  removed 
from  the  same,  that  thereupon  this  Consistory  will  forthwith  remove 
such  person  accordingly. 

6.  Resolved,  That  this  Consistory  will  accept  the  charge  and  manage- 
ment of  any  moneys  or  other  property  which  may  be  intrusted  to  them 
by  the  Synod  for  the  support  of  the  Professor,  and  will  from  time  to 
time  account  to  the  Synod  for  the  same. 

7.  Resolved,  That  the  ministers  and  elders  from  this  Consistory,  dele- 
gates to  the  Synod,  be  instructed  to  lay  the  above  resolutions  before 
the  Synod  in  order  that  they  may  take  such  act  thereon  as  to  them  shall 
appear  most  eligible. 


Note  29.    Page  90, 

History    of    the   Covenants    Between   the  College  and   the 

Seminary. 

The  Covenant  of  1807. 
It  is  mutually  covenanted  and  agreed  by  the  General  Synod  of  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church  in  America  on  the  one  part,  and  the  Trustees  of 
Queens  College  on  the  other  : 

1.  That  in  the  plan  for  the  revival  of  said  College  they  will  employ 
their  efforts  to  combine  its  literary  interests  with  a  decided  support  to 
evangelical  truth,  and  the  promotion  of  a  faithful  and  able  ministry  in 
the  Dutch  Church. 

2.  That  all  the  moneys  raised  by  the  Trustees  of  Queens  College,  in 
the  State  of  New  York,  shall  agreeably  to  the  proposal  of  said  Trustees, 
be  a  fund  exclusively  appropriated  to  the  support  of  a  Theological  Pro- 
fessorship in  the  College,  and  to  the  assistance  of  poor  and  pious  young 


364  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

men  who  are  desirious  of  entering  into  the  gospel  ministry  under  the 
patronage  of  the  Dutch  Church,  as  represented  in  the  General  Synod. 

3.  That  all  moneys  which  may  have  been  raised  for  the  Professorship 
under  the  injunction  of  the  General  Synod  of  1806,  be  deposited  in  the 
hands  of  the  Trustees  of  Queens  College,  for  the  purpose  expressed  in 
the  Second  Article  ;  and  the  persons  appointed  to  raise  contributions  for 
the  Professorship  shall  stay  their  proceedings  till  the  success  of  said 
Trustees  shall  be  ascertained. 

4.  The  Trustees  of  Queens  College  shall  call  no  Professor  of  Theology 
but  such  as  shall  be  nominated  and  chosen  by  the  General  Synod  agree- 
ably to  the  resolutions  and  arrangements  formed  in  General  Synod  in 
1804,  respecting  the  Permanent  Professorship  which  is  hereby  located  at 
New  Brunswick. 

5.  As  soon  as  the  Trustees  shall  have  obtained  a  fund,  the  interest  of 
-which  will  yield  a  competent  support  to  the  Theological  Professor,  of 
which  competency  whenever  any  difficulties  or  doubts  may  arise,  the 
contracting  parties  shall  judge  and  determine,  the  Trustees  shall  be 
bound  without  delay  to  call  the  Professor  appointed  by  the  Synod  ;  and 
the  Synod  shall,  and  hereby  do  request  their  Professor,  as  soon  as  he 
shall  have  received  such  call,  to  make  arrangements  forthwith  for  enter- 
ing upon  the  duties  of  his  office. 

6.  That  a  permanent  Board  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Synod  to  super- 
intend the  Theological  Institution,  to  assist  the  Professor  in  arranging 
the  course  of  instruction,  to  attend  the  examination  of  the  students  in 
Theology  previous  to  their  examination  for  licensure  before  Classis,  to 
be  known  by  the  style  of  the  "Superintendents  of  the  Theological  In- 
stitution in  Queens  College,"  and  to  be  recognized  as  such  by  the  Trus- 
tees of  said  College. 

7.  The  Synod  agree  to  provide  money  for  the  purchase  of  a  theological 
library,  and  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  theological  hall ;  or  to  contri- 
bute their  proportion  to  the  erecting  such  building  or  buildings  as  may 
be  designed  for  the  joint  accommodation  of  the  literary  and  theological 
departments  of  the  College,  provided  the  sum  do  not  amount  to  more 
than  would  be  necessary  for  erecting  a  separate  building  for  the  Profes- 
sorial Hall.  And  in  order  to  carry  into  effect  this  article,  the  Synod  will 
have  a  collection  taken  up  in  each  of  the  congregations  under  their 
care  ;  and  should  this  fail  or  prove  incompetent,  then  the  Trustees  shall 
take  the  requisite  sum  from  the  fund  which  they  may  have  raised  for  the 
Professorate.  Signed,  John  N.  Abeel, 

Ira  Condict, 
Jer.  Romeyn, 
J.  S.  Vredenberg, 
J.  M.  Bradford, 
p.  b.  dumont, 
Aaron  Camp, 
Ab'm  Blauvelt. 


APPENDIX.  365 

The  Covenant  of  1825. 

1.  The  literary  exercises  of  Queens  College  are  to  be  revived  as  early 
as  may  be  practicable,  and  for  that  purpose  the  General  Synod  agree  to 
allow  the  Trustees  the  use  of  such  parts  of  their  building  in  New  Bruns- 
wick, lately  purchased  from  the  Trustees  by  Synod,  as  shall  be  designated 
and  pointed  out  by  the  Professors  as  necessary  for  the  said  exercises 
during  their  continuance. 

2.  The  Professors  of  the  Theological  College  shall  have  such  literary 
duties  assigned  them  in  Queens  College  by  the  General  Synod,  as  the 
Synod  shall  deem  best  calculated  to  promote  the  mutual  interest  of 
both  institutions. 

3.  The  income  of  the  funds  arising  from  the  donations  of  Rev.  E.  Van 
Bunschooten  and  Miss  R.  Knox,  deceased,  shall  be  applied  to  the  sup- 
port of  indigent  students  in  the  Literary  and  Theological  departments 
of  the  College,  according  to  such  regulations  as  the  General  Synod  and 
Board  of  Trustees  have  established,  and  may  hereafter,  establish  to  carry 
into  effect  the  benevolent  intent  of  the  donors. 

The  Covenant  of  1839. 

1.  That  the  General  Synod  accede  to  the  resolution  of  the  joint  Com- 
mittee providing  that  no  Theological  Professor  shall  hereafter  be  Presi- 
dent of  the  College. 

2.  That  the  spirit  of  the  Charter  cannot  be  carried  out,  nor  the  ad- 
vantages proposed  from  the  connection  between  the  General  Synod  and 
the  Trustees  of  Rutgers  College  secured  without  concurrent  and  har- 
monious action. 

3.  That  the  Theological  Professors  preach  in  the  Chapel  as  usual  on 
the  Sabbath,  and  that  the  future  President,  if  a  minister  of  the  gospel,, 
also  preach  in  his  turn. 

4.  That  in  the  distribution  of  the  education  funds  under  the  control 
of  the  General  Synod,  the  usual  tuition  fees  be  paid  to  the  Trustees  by 
all  the  beneficiaries  so  long  as  the  exigencies  of  the  College  shall  need 
the  same,  and  the  education  funds  of  the  General  Synod  shall  warrant 
such  payment ;  and  that  the  beneficiaries  be  excused  from  the  payment 
of  the  usual  incidental  charges. 

5.  That  instead  of  the  reconveyance  of  the  College  premises,  as  pro- 
posed in  the  Minutes,  p.  282,  of  June,  1839,  the  Synod  guarantee  to  the 
Board  of  Trustees,  by  a  proper  and  legal  instrument,  the  use  of  the 
Library  room  (the  library  being  in  common),  the  Chapel  and  recitation 
rooms  as  heretofore,  for  the  purpose  of  conducting  collegiate  exercises  ; 
and  that  they  will  not  sell  or  lease  the  College  building  or  premises,  or 
any  part  of  them,  without  the  consent  of  the  Board  of  Trustees;  pro- 
vided the  Board  of  Trustees  accede  to  the  plan  now  adopted  by  the 
General  Synod,  and  elect  the  President  whose  nomination  has  been  ap- 
proved by  Synod. 


366  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

The  Covenant  of  1840. 

1.  That  the  Synod  regard  Rutgers  College  with  great  interest,  not 
only  as  an  institution  calculated  to  diffuse  the  blessings  of  education 
generally,  but  especially  as  a  most  important  auxiliary  in  training  the 
rising  ministry  of  the  Church. 

2.  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Trustees  of  Rutgers  College  to 
appoint  a  President  of  said  institution  as  early  as  practicable. 

3.  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Synod,  the  efficiency  of  the  College 
depends  mainly  upon  the  wise  and  energetic  administration  of  its 
affairs  by  the  Board  of  Trustees  ;  and  to  the  said  Board  the  Synod  re- 
fers its  whole  administration,  embracing  the  appointment  of  professors 
and  instructors,  providing  and  disbursing  the  funds  of  the  College,  and 
controlling  and  directing  its  concerns  generally  ;  and  that  the  Synod  re- 
peals on  its  part  all  former  action  on  this  subject,  which  may  or  can 
interfere  with  the  tenor  of  this  resolution. 

4.  That  the  Theological  Professors  be  requested  to  continue  to  the 
College  such  services  as  they  have  heretofore  rendered,  or  such  services, 
not  interfering  with  their  duties  in  the  Theological  Seminary,  as  may  be 
agreed  upon  between  them  and  the  Trustees. 

5.  That  in  the  meantime,  and  until  otherwise  arranged,  tuition  fees 
be  allowed  for  the  beneficiaries  in  the  College. 

The  Board  of  Superintendents  of  the  College  was  virtually  abolished 
by  the  4th  resolution  of  1840,  and  the  General  Synod,  at  their  meeting 
in  Brooklyn  in  September,  1848,  by  adoptmg  the  report  of  a  Committee 
on  that  subject,  confirmed  such  action  of  the  Synod  at  the  time.  See 
Minutes  of  Sept.,  1848,  pp.  418-420. 

Approved  by  the  Committee  of  the  Trustees. 

Jas.  B.  Hardenbergh,  )      Com. 
Abm.  Van  Nesh,  >         of 

C.  L.  Hardenbergh,     )  Trustees. 

We  concur  in  the  foregoing  abstract  as  the  Covenant  now  in  force  be- 
tween the  Trustees  of  the  College  and  the  General  Synod,  considering 
the  proceedings  of  1839  and  1840  as  Amendments  of  the  first  and  sec- 
ond Covenants  adopted  in  1807  and  1825,  and  not  as  new  Covenants. 

Thomas  M.  Strong,     "*       ^ 
Benjamin  C.  Taylor,  I       ^°J"- 
William  R.  Gorden,    f  ^       c       a 
D.  P.  Ingraham.  J  G^"-  Sy"°^- 

Your  Committee  'would  recommend  that  the  Synod  recognize  the 
above  as  now  containing  the  existing  relations  between  the  General 
Synod  and  the  Board  of  Trustees,  in  order  that  all  differences  upon  the 
subject  should  hereafter  cease. 

See  Minutes  of  Synod  of  June,  1858,  in  which  full  information  may 
be  found  concerning  the  history  of  these  Covenants.  Also  see  the  Min- 
utes  of  Sept.  1825,  in   which   the   particulars   of  the  Covenant  of  that 


APPENDIX.  367 

year,  which  are  not  here  mentioned  but  which  agreed  substantially  with 
those  of  1807,  may  be  found. 

In  the  year  1865,  the  Synod  and  Trustees  mutually  agreed  that  thence- 
forth the  Trustees  should  be  absolved  from  the  obligation  to  elect  as 
Professor  of  Theology  in  the  College,  a  professor  who  had  been  elected 
by  the  General  Synod  for  its  Theological  School.  (Minutes,  June,  1865, 
p.  628.) 

Note  30.    Page  94. 

Dr.  Livingston's  Letter  to  Rev.  Elias  Van  Bunschooten. 

New  York,  July  31,  1810. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir : 

Spared  to  a  period  of  life  which  few  who  commenced  with  us  have 
attained,  it  surely  becomes  us  with  adoring  gratitude  to  praise  God  who 
has  upheld  and  blessed  us  thus  far,  and  exclaim  with  joy  and  thankful 
hearts — why  do  we  yet  live,  while  others  are  taken  away?  What  shall 
we  render  to  the  Lord  for  all  His  benefits  towards  us  }  Much  is  due 
from  us  ;  and  if,  in  our  closing  scenes,  we  may  be  privileged  to  promote 
the  Redeemer's  interest,  we  shall  not  have  lived  thus  long  in  vain,  nor 
will  our  memory  be  forgotten  in  silence. 

You  and  I  set  out  in  public  service  nearly  at  the  same  time.  We  both, 
I  trust,  were  taught  in  our  youth,  through  grace,  to  love  the  blessed 
Jesus,  and  to  be  zealous  for  His  Church  and  cause.  God  was  pleased  to 
bestow  talents  and  opportunities  agreeably  to  His  sovereign  pleasure  ; 
and  He  has  enabled  us  to  improve  them,  in  some  measure,  with  sincer- 
ity and  faithfulness.  Feeble,  indeed,  have  been  our  efforts,  and  small 
our  success,  compared  with  what  others  have  done;  yet  with  all  our  im- 
perfections, we  have  cause  to  praise  Him,  and  can  humbly  say,  "  His 
grace  which  was  bestowed  upon  us,  was  not  altogether  in  vain."  Ad- 
vanced now  in  years,  this  retrospect  is  full  of  consolation  ;  yet  even  in 
advanced  years,  while  life  remains, let  us  not  despair  of  doing  something 
still  that  may  redound  to  the  benefit  of  the  Church,  and  endear  our 
names  to  the  children  of  God.  I  bless  the  Lord,  who  can  make  the  last 
fruits  to  be  the  ripest  and  the  best  for  keeping  the  flame  of  love  and 
zeal  yet  burning  in  my  bosom,  and  raising  my  ardent  hopes  that  a  de- 
clining lamp  may  still  shine  to  some  advantage.  Feeling  my  strength 
fail  for  the  usual  duties  of  the  ministry,  I  have  resigned  that  work  to 
follow  the  call  of  my  Master  in  another  department.  I  have,  therefore, 
concluded  to  leave  a  station  in  which  I  have  been  upheld  and  made  to 
persevere  for  forty  years  ;  and  am  now  making  preparations  to  remove 
shortly  to  New  Brunswick,  there  to  devote  the  short  remnant  of  my 
days  to  the  immediate  work  of  the  professorate,  agreeably  to  the  wishes 
and  resolutions  of  all  our  churches.  I  communicate  this  to  you  without 
reserve,  as  I  know  your  love  to  the  Reformed  Church,  and  your  love  to 
me,  will  render  the  communication  acceptable.     You  and  I  are  standing 


368  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

at  a  conspicuous  point  of  tlie  wall  of  Zion,  almost  alone.  Of  all  those 
who  were  in  the  ministry  before  the  Revolutionary  War,  very  few  are 
^  left.  Only  three,  whom  I  recollect,  besides  ourselves  remain,  and  they 
are  feeble  and  superannuated.  To  you  and  myself  our  younger  brethren 
look  for  counsel,  example  and  assistance.  If  the  Lord  shall  please  to 
sanctify  and  quicken  our  hearts,  we  may  yet,  in  our  old  days,  do  some- 
thing that  shall  make  glad  the  City  of  our  God.  I  have  told  you  the 
prospects  and  labors  which  are  before  me.  To  advance  these,  I  must 
make  a  great  sacrifice,  not  only  of  former  habits,  affections,  and  a  most 
comfortable  situation,  but  incur  great  expenses  and  risks.  You  know  the 
funds  collected  are  not  yet  sufficient  to  support  the  establishment.  Yet 
the  wants  of  the  churches  are  so  great  and  alarming  that  they  cannot 
wait  longer ;  and  I  cheerfully  make  the  sacrifice,  and  leave  the  issue 
with  the  Lord.  I  shall  be  happy  if  it  may  be  in  your  heart  to  assist  in 
this  vast  design  ;  that  we  may  mutually  strengthen  and  encourage  each 
other;  and  that  our  younger  brethren  and  all  the  churches  may  see 
and  rejoice  that  their  two  old  ministers  love  their  Lord,  and  devote 
themselves  and  all  they  have  to  His  service.  The  churches  expect  much 
from  me,  and  they  have  the  same  claim  upon  you,  my  brother — they 
expect  also  much  from  you.  If  grace  be  bestowed,  I  trust  they  will  not 
be  disappointed  in  either  of  us.  I  know  you  will  rejoice  to  join  with 
me  in  this  blessed  work.  We  began  together ;  let  us  end  together  with 
the  same  zeal  and  laudable  efforts. 

I  have  considered  in  what  way  it  will  be  possible  for  you  to  afford 
signal  assistance.  Your  years  and  your  situation  forbid  any  active  part 
in  rearing  the  Temple  we  are  about  to  dedicate  to  Jesus ;  but  the  Lord 
has  not  left  you  without  means  of  being  greatly  beneficial.  You  are 
blessed  with  much  wealth  and  large  property.  What,  my  dear  old  friend 
and  brother — what  if  God  should  put  it  into  your  heart  to  dispose,  in 
your  last  will  and  testament,  of  a  respectable  part  of  that  property  for 
the  benefit  of  the  Theological  Institution  ?  By  inserting  it  in  your  will,, 
you  will  not  be  troubled  with  any  arrangements  during  your  life.  The 
whole  will  remain,  as  heretofore,  in  your  possession.  When  you  depart 
it  must  go  to  others,  and  you  have  the  right  of  directing  to  whom  and 
for  what  purpose  it  shall  go.  If  the  claims  of  relatives  who  expect  to 
share  the  whole  were  always  to  be  regarded,  there  would  never  be  any 
generous  donations  for  public  services.  But,  in  the  present  case,  it  is  a 
consolation  that  relatives  have  a  copious  resource,  and  will  be  richly 
provided  for.  It  will  be  no  injury  to  any  if  you  should  make  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church  your  principal  heir.  The  very  idea  must  be 
pleasing  to  your  mind,  and  will  warm  your  heart.  It  will  prove  how- 
much  you  loved  that  church,  which  has  so  long  loved  and  respected 
you.  I  have  suggested  this  with  freedom,  and  without  reserve.  My 
heart  will  rejoice  if  the  rising  generation  shall  acknowledge  that  their 
old  ministers  shew,  by  generous  deeds,  that  they  possess  the  faith  which 
works  by  love. 


APPENDIX.  mO' 

There  are  three  great  objects  attached  to  our  institution,  neither  of 
which  has  funds  provided  for  their  accomplishment.  One  is  the  sup- 
port of  poor  students  in  theology.  Many  who  are  pious  and  wish  to 
study  are  not  able  to  sustain  the  expense.  We  must  provide  some  as- 
sistance for  them.  It  is  a  fact,  that  several  worthy  persons  have  left  am- 
ple legacies,  by  their  last  wills,  to  the  College  at  Princeton,  for  the  ex- 
press purpose  of  supporting  or  helping  poor  students  in  theology.  And 
surely  we  may  hope,  that  in  our  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  there  are  men 
as  good  and  as  able,  and  as  willing  as  any  in  the  other  Churches. 
Another  object  is,  the  purchase  of  a  library  for  the  use  of  the  students 
in  theology.  The  third  is,  a  fund  whose  interest  shall  be  applied  for 
the  immediate  support  of  the  Professorship  itself,  and  maintaining  such 
assistants  as  will  soon  be  wanted.  Either  of  these  objects  singly  is  im- 
portant, and  all  of  them  together  must  receive  aid.  or  our  most  strenuous 
efforts  will  prove  for  a  long  time,  if  not  forever,  unavailing. 

Select  for  yourself  either  of  these  objects,  agreeably  to  your  own 
choice,  or  unite  the  whole  in  one  common  benefit,  referring  it  to  the 
General  Synod  to  apply  it  at  their  discretion.  Think  upon  this  subject, 
my  dear  sir,  with  that  seriousness  it  deserves,  and  if  you  find  yourself, 
through  grace,  disposed  to  leave  anything  for  this  purpose,  let  it  be  in- 
serted in  your  will  without  delay,  for  our  lives  are  precarious.  As  the 
words  or  terms  used  in  last  wills  and  testaments  ought  to  be  very  clear 
and  definitive,  suffer  me  to  mention  that  the  legacy  ought  to  be  made  to 
some  Body  Corporate,  in  trust  for  the  uses  intended,  and  none  is  so. 
proper  as  Queens  College.  The  style  or  name  of  the  College  by  which 
it  can  receive  or  hold  property  is  T/u-  Trustees  of  Queens  College  m  New 
Jersey.  To  them  let  the  devise  be  made  ;  expressly,  however,  and  clearly 
declaring  the  precise  trust  or  object  you  intend.  Let  the  Trustees  be 
compelled,  by  your  will,  to  vest  the  legacy  in  some  safe  fund,  and  apply 
the  interest  thereof,  yearly,  for  the  very  purpose  you  may  please  to  di- 
rect, and  for  no  other.  That  direction,  if  you  choose,  may  be  placed 
under  the  control  of  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 
for  the  time  being,  for  ever. 

Excuse,  my  dear  old  friend,  the  freedom  with  which  I  have  commu- 
nicated these  sentiments.  My  intentions  are  sincere,  upright,  affection- 
ate and  zealous.  I  trust  you  will  be  happy  to  join  with  me  in  doing  some- 
thing for  which  the  churches  will  remember  us  with  gratitude.  While  I 
make  sacrifices,  and  work  besides,  you  will  cheerfully  embalm  your  mem- 
ory by  leaving  something  important  to  promote  the  same  cause.  Please 
to  send  a  line  in  answer,  and  let  me  know  that  you  have  received  this 
letter,  and  that  you  love  me  more  than  ever  for  what  I  have  now  sug- 
gested. The  Lord  preserve,  sanctify  and  comfort  you,  and  incline  your 
heart  to  do  more  than  others  in  assisting  his  poor  Church.  Be  assured 
of  my  affectionate  attachment,  and  the  great  respect  with  which  I  am. 
Reverend  and  dear  Sir,  your  faithful  friend  and  brother  in  the  Lord, 

Rev.  Mr.  E.  Van  Bunschooten.  J.  H.  Livingston, 

24 


370  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

Note  31.    Page  94. 
The  Van  Bunschooten  Bequest. 

The  donor  has  a  mind  to  bestow  thirteen  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
forty  dollars  in  obligations,  and  eight  hundred  in  Cash  to  the  Trustees  of 
Queens  College  in  New  Jersey  in  trust  on  the  following  terms,  viz. : 
The  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  America  to  ap- 
point a  Committee,  and  said  Trustees  to  appoint  one  also.  The  two 
Committees  jointly  to  devise  the  best  plan  and  most  solid  foundation  to 
put  out  said  money  to  interest  which  the  giver  reserves  to  himself  dur- 
ing his  life ;  but  after  his  decease  the  Trustees  to  use  and  apply  said 
interest  for  the  support  and  education  in  the  Classical  and  Theological 
studies  of  pious  youth  who  hope  they  have  a  call  of  God  to  preach  the 
gospel  of  Jesus  Christ;  no  one  is  to  be  admitted  to  said  benefit,  but 
such  as  are  recommended  by  General  Synod.  If  the  interest  of  what  is 
now  offered  and  what  in  future  may  be  added  by  him  and  others  should 
accumulate  above  the  aforementioned  education,  such  overplus  the 
Trustees,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  General  Synod,  may  then  use 
and  apply  to  such  other  purposes  as  shall  most  tend  to  the  good  of  the 
Institution  and  the  benefit  of  literature  ;  who  are  to  render  an  account 
to  General  Synod  when  they  require  it. 

The  giver  humbly  desires  that  these  terms  be  recorded  in  the  Record 
•of  General  Synod,  and  in  the  Records  of  the  Particular  Synods,  and 
registered  in  the  Records  of  all  the  Classes  belongmg  to  General  Sy- 
nod, and  to  be  read  in  the  said  judicatories  at  their  ordinary  meetings,* 
not  for  aggrandizement  or  self-ostentation,  but  to  be  an  humble  pattern 
for  others  to  copy  after  ;  if  the  thing  being  so  kept  alive  and  considered, 
who  knows  whether  God  in  His  good  providence  would  not  move  some 
to  do  the  like. 

It  will  also  be  the  pleasure  and  delight  of  him,  the  bestower,  and  others, 
that  all  officers  of  the  College  live  frugal  and  industrious,  and  thus  set 
a  good  pattern  to  their  pupils ;  and  all  ecclesiastical  officers  deport 
themselves  diligent,  frugal  and  pious  before  those  over  whom  they  are 
set  for  edification  ;  thus  to  prepare  not  only  for  heaven,  but  also  for  the 
approaching  Millenium,  the  commencement  of  which  may  be  at  a  farther 
distance  than  the  present  living.t     It  is  also  the  humble  and  sincere  re- 

*  The  editing  committee  of  this  volume  have  frequently  heard  it  asserted,  as  a 
reliable  tradition,  that  Mr.  Van  Bunschooten  was  personally  opposed  to  the  intro- 
duction of  this  condition,  but  that  he  was  earnestly  urged  to  permit  its  insertion  by 
the  legal  counsel  who  drew  up  his  will,  and  that  he  at  last  consented. 

f  This  clause  has  generally  been  thought  to  be  incorrect,  and  that  it  should  have 
read,  "The  commencement  of  which  may  be  at  no  farther  distance  than  the  present 
living."  We  have  found  ourselves  so  far  unable  to  examine  the  original  document. 
But  this  much  may  be  said  in  vindication  of  the  clause  as  it  stands:  It  is  well-known 
that  in  the  early  part  of  this  century  the  opinion  was  extensively  held  that  the  Mil- 
lenium was  not  very  remote.  May  not  this  munificent  benefactor  of  the  Church 
have  opposed  this  view,  and  have  given  his  wealth  to  perpetuate  a  Ministry  which 
might  be  needed  for  generations. 


APPENDIX.  371 

quest  of  the  donor  that  the  abovesaid  officers  exhibit  no  special  inclin- 
ation for  luxury,  and  accumulation  of  wealth,  which  is  offensive  and 
bars  the  door  of  donation.  On  the  said  terms  and  recommendations 
the  giver  is  willing  to  bestow  as  before  mentioned. 

ELIAS   V.    BUNSCHOOTEN. 
New    York,  June  9,   1814. 

It  is  my  wish,  and  I  therefore  recommend  it  to  the  Trustees  within 
named,  to  require  such  retribution  as  they  shall  deem  just  and  reason- 
able from  any  persons  who  shall  obtain  the  benefit  of  the  within  men- 
tioned Fund,  and  who  may  become  able  to  make  such  retribution. 

EliasV.  Bunschooten. 

June  9,   1814. 

Note  32.    Page  94. 

ELIAS  VAN  BUNSCHOOTEN. 

He  was  the  son  of  Teunis  Van  Bunschooten,  of  New  Hackensack, 
Dutchess  Co.,  New  York,  where  he  was  born  Oct.  26,  1738.  He  was 
graduated  from  Princeton  College  in  1768,  studied  theology  with  Dr. 
Meyer,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1773.  His  first  charge  was  at 
Schaghticoke,  where  he  labored  from  1773  to  1785.  He  then  took  charge 
of  three  churches  on  the  Delaware,  namely,  Mmisink,  Magagkamack 
(near  the  present  Port  Jervis),  and  Walpack,  covering  fifty  miles  of  ter- 
ritory. 

Subsequently  a  church  was  formed  at  the  Clove,  in  the  township  of 
Wantage,  and  hither  Mr.  V.  B.  removed  in  1792,  and  it  remained  his 
home  to  the  end  of  his  life.  Here  he  labored  faithfully  and  successfully 
until,  obliged  by  increasing  infirmities,  he  withdrew  in  1812  from  the 
active  work  of  the  ministry.  He  died  Jan.  10,  181 5,  in  the  77th  year  of 
his  age. 

In  1817,  the  General  Synod  procured  the  remov^al  of  his  remains  to 
the  cemetery  of  the  First  Dutch  Church  of  New  Brunswick,  and  placed  a 
monument  over  his  grave.  A  woman  who  had  been  brought  up  under 
his  ministry,  was,  on  seeing  his  coffin  lifted  out  of  the  grave,  so  affected 
by  the  remembrance  of  his  preaching  and  pastoral  admonitions,  that  she 
was  thrown  almost  into  a  state  of  despair,  and  found  peace  in  believing 
only  after  the  lapse  of  several  months. 

The  following  sketch  is  from  the  pen  of  the  late  Rev.  John  Gos- 
man,  D.D. 

"  Mr.  Van  Bunschooten  was  about  six  feet  in  height,  of  an  erect  and 
stately  carriage,  with  something  about  him  that  reminded  you  of  an  In- 
dian chief.  His  general  manner,  I  should  say,  was  lacking  both  in  sim- 
plicity and  geniality  :  and  yet  among  those  with  whom  he  was  familiar 
his  sternness  is  said  to  have  disappeared,  and  given  place  to  a  free  and 
pleasant  style  of  intercourse.  No  doubt,  the  very  primitive  and  unculti- 
vated field  in  which  his  lot  was  cast  had  much  to  do  in  giving  the  tone 


373  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

to  his  own  character;  and  yet  I  may  safely  say  that  apart  from  all  exter- 
nal influences,  he  had  certain  phases  of  mind  and  temper  that  under  any 
circumstances  would  have  attracted  observation.  One  of  the  most  re- 
markable of  these  was  an  exactness  amounting  even  to  parsimony,  in  his 
ordinary  transactions,  combined  with  a  thoughtful  and  generous  regard 
for  the  wants  of  the  poor,  to  say  nothing  of  the  wider  range  which  his 
charity  took  in  its  more  permanent  and  strictly  religious  provisions.  It 
ought  to  be  stated,  however,  that  his  exactness  was  exhibited  as  well  in: 
paying  as  in  exacting  the  uttermost  farthing ;  and  he  has  been  known 
to  bother  a  man  till  he  had  well  nigh  lost  his  patience,  in  endeavoring^ 
to  get  into  his  hand  three  cents  which  he  happened  not  to  have  with 
him,  but  which  were  necessary  to  complete  the  amount  which  he  owed. 
To  such  a  ludicrous  extreme  even  did  he  carry  his  sense  of  justice,  that 
during  his  last  illness,  which  continued  for  three  months,  he  insisted 
every  morning  upon  paying  the  person  who  had  watched  with  him  a 
day's  wages  in  silver ;  and  all  remonstrances  against  receiving  it  were  to 
no  purpose. 

Without  claiming  for  this  eccentric  man  any  very  remarkable  powers  of 
mind,  I  think  there  is  decisive  evidence  that  he  had  a  highly  respectable 
intellect,  and  that  it  had  received  a  corresponding  degree  of  cultivation^ 
There  is  not  only  traditionary  testimony  to  this  effect,  but  he  left  behind 
him  a  library  consisting  of  a  large  number  of  rare  and  valuable  theolog- 
ical works,  in  English,  Latin  and  Dutch,  which,  if  they  were  anything^ 
more  than  rubbish  in  his  dwelling,  must  have  betokened  pretty  decided 
intellectual  tendencies.  In  addition  to  this  it  may  be  mentioned  that 
the  people  to  whom  he  ministered,  though  exceedingly  rude  and  unlet- 
tered when  he  went  among  them,  gradually  improved  in  their  minds 
and  manners,  until  they  have  now  no  reason  to  shrink  from  a  compari- 
son with  the  inhabitants  of  almost  any  part  of  the  country. 

Mr.  V.  B.  preached  both  in  Dutch  and  English  as  occasion  required. 
It  was  his  custom  to  write  out  the  leading  thoughts  of  his  discourse  and 
trust  for  the  filling  up,  and  especially  for  the  language,  to  the  excite- 
ment incident  to  the  delivery.  The  outlines  of  his  sermons  that  remain 
are  all  in  the  Dutch  language,  and  show  the  tone  of  his  preaching  to 
have  been  highly  evangelical.  He  is  said  to  have  treated  his  subjects 
with  logical  perspecuity,  and  to  have  made  much  use  of  Scripture  lan- 
guage. Candor  compels  me,  however,  to  state  that  I  have  heard  what 
purported  to  be  faithful  quotations  from  his  sermons,  from  perfectly 
credible  persons,  the  suppression  of  which,  I  am  sure,  will  not  be  injur- 
ious to  his  fame.  His  voice  was  not  loud,  but  his  manner  in  the  pulpit 
was  earnest  and  impressive. 

His  influence  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  so  far  as  I  can  learn  from 
the  best  authorities,  was  of  a  pure  and  healthful  character  ;  and  though 
there  are  few  now  living  to  bear  testimony  concerning  his  ministrations, 
it  is  believed  that  some  of  the  seals  of  his  ministry  still  survive.  But 
that  which  chiefly  entitles  him  to  the  grateful  remembrance   especially 


APPENDIX.  373 

of  the  Dutch  Church,  is  the  munificicnt  provision  which  he  made  for  the 
education  of  her  sons.  Though  the  style  and  conditions  of  the  legacy 
were  odd  enough,  and  strikingly  illustrate  the  eccentricity  of  the  donor, 
yet  its  substance  is  an  enduring  attestation  to  his  far-seeing  and  com- 
prehensive benevolence."  Sprai^nc's  Annals.  Article  in  New  Brunswick 
Review,  1855,  by  Rev.  A.  W,  McClure.  Mills  Historical  Discs.,  1874, 
1878.     Gtinn's  Livingston  Ed.,  1856,  p.  395. 


Note  33.    Page  95. 

First   Official   Report   of    Prof.  Livingston   after    the   re- 
moval OF  THE  Seminary  to  New  Brunswick. 

A  communication  was  received  from  Professor  Livingston,  and  is  as 
follows  : 

In  his  first  otlicial  communication  to  the  General  Synod,  it  would  be 
highly  gratifying  to  the  Professor  to  have  it  in  his  power  to  make  such  a 
statement  of  the  progress  of  the  Institution  and  its  present  situation  as 
would  meet  the  wishes  of  the  churches,  and  in  some  measure  compen- 
sate for  the  exertions  made  in  its  behalf. 

In  the  year  1771,  when  a  union  was  effected  between  contending 
parties,  which  had  for  many  years  convulsed  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church,  and  threatened  its  total  extinction  in  America,  it  was  unani- 
mously determined  to  erect  a  Theological  Professorship,  and  all  the 
churches  pledged  themselves  to  bring  the  establishment  to  perfection 
without  delay. 

A  train  of  unavoidable  obstacles  continually  presented  themselves  in 
the  way,  and  prevented  the  accomplishment  of  the  design  until  the 
Revolutionary^  War  commenced,  during  which  it  was  impracticable  either 
to  consult  upon  the  necessary  measures  or  to  put  any  of  them  into 
•operation.  After  the  peace  the  subject  was  immediately  revived,  and 
the  churches,  with  unabated  ardor,  resolved  to  bring  forward  an  Institu- 
tion upon  which  their  future  prosperity  was  considered  essentially  to  de- 
pend. 

The  frequent  and  repeated  discouragements  which  for  many  years 
continued  to  baffle  the  best-concerted  means  and  the  most  strenuous 
exertions,  until  at  length  the  plan  now  adopted  was  matured,  need  not 
be  mentioned.  They  are  fresh  in  the  memory  of  all  who  compose  the 
present  judicatory ;  and  the  hope  is  indulged  that  they  are  past,  never 
more  to  return  ;  while  the  churches  enjoy  the  prospect  of  soon  obtain- 
ing the  accomplishment  of  their  wishes,  and  reaping  the  fruits  of  their 
long  and  painful  labors. 

Happy,  indeed,  would  their  Professor  be,  if  he  had  it  in  his  power  to 
congratulate  the  General  Synod  upon  their  complete  success,  and  to 
tel!  them  their  pious  object  was  now  accomplished.  But  notwithstand- 
ing he  cannot  yet  proceed  thus  far,  he  is  gratified  in  being  able  to  com- 


374  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

municate  some  important  progress  in  the  great  work,  and  to  mention 
several  decisive  steps  that  have  been  taken,  which,  however  short  of 
the  perfection  contemplated,  have  contributed  to  lay  a  solid  foundation 
upon  which  the  building  may  now  rise  with  strength  and  security.  He 
can  now  encourage  his  brethren  no  longer  to  despise  the  day  of  small 
things,  but  with  renewed  vigor  under  the  smiles  of  Divine  Providence, 
to  increase  their  united  efforts  to  obtain  the  blessing  for  which  they  have 
so  long  toiled,  prayed  and  waited. 

In  the  month  of  October,  1810,  the  Professor  left  New  York,  and  re- 
moved with  his  family  to  New  Brunswick. 

Upon  the  close  of  the  College  vacation  in  the  autumn  of  1810,  he 
opened  his  theological  lectures,  and  was  attended  by  five  students,  viz : 
Messrs.  De  Witt,  Mabon,  Bronk,  Wynkoop  and  Barclay. 

In  the  autumn  of  181 1  he  opened  his  lectures  again,  and  was  attended 
by  nine  students,  viz :  Messrs.  De  Witt,  Mabon,  Bronk,  Wynkoop,. 
Murphy,  Van  Santford,  Vermuil,  Van  Zandt  and  Carl. 

The  students  have  been  diligent,  and  made  good  progress  ;  but  the 
great  deficiency  of  books  and  the  want  of  a  theological  library  was 
severely  felt  and  much  deplored  by  them.  Two  of  the  students,  viz : 
Mr.  De  Witt  and  Mr.  Mabon,  were  examined  and  became  candidates 
for  the  ministry  in  the  Classis  of  Brunswick  in  April  last ;  and  two  of 
the  other  students,  viz  :  Mr.  Murphy  and  Mr.  Carl,  for  want  of  pecu- 
niary resources,  were  obliged  in  the  course  of  the  winter  to  leave  the 
lectures,  and  have  engaged  in  keeping  school,  with  the  hope  of  return- 
ing as  soon  as  they  can  procure  a  maintenance  for  themselves.  Mr. 
Sluyter  came  in  the  month  of  May  last,  and  has  opened  a  school  in 
New  Brunswick,  with  the  view  of  attending  at  the  same  time  the 
theological  lectures. 

With  this  general  outline  of  existing  circumstances,  the  Professor 
meant  to  close  his  communication.  He  wished  to  be  excused  from 
entering  into  any  detail  respecting  the  funds,  and  intended  wholly  to 
omit  that  subject,  the  mention  of  which,  it  can  readily  be  conceived,  is 
unpleasant  to  himself,  and  must  be  distressing  to  the  General  Synod  ;. 
but  faithfulness  to  the  churches,  and  his  duty  to  inform  the  General 
Synod  of  facts  which  affect  the  vital  interests  of  the  Institution,  forbid 
his  total  silence. 

In  August,  1808,  the  Trustees  of  Queens  College,  by  a  formal  call 
from  their  Board,  invited  the  Professor  to  remove  to  New  Brunswick  ;; 
but  they  informed  him,  at  the  same  time,  that  the  funds  for  the  Pro- 
fessorship could  as  yet  allow  them  only  to  name  the  small  sum  of  750 
dollars  ;  and,  as  this  was  wholly  insufficient,  it  was  not  expected  that  a 
removal  could  be  seriously  contemplated,  or  a  sacrifice  be  made  of  the 
ample  support  he  enjoyed  in  New  York,  where  the  annual  salary  of 
ministers  is  2,500  dollars. 

In  February,  18 10,  after  collecting  more  subscriptions,  the  Trustees 
considered  it  practicable  to  increase  the  salary,  and  resolved  that  650 


APPENDIX.  375- 

dollars  could  be  added  to  the  sum  before  named,  making  the  ofTer  ta 
amount  in  the  whole  to  1.400  dollars  per  annum. 

In  March,  1810,  the  Professor  wrote  to  the  Trustees,  that  notwith- 
standing the  interest  arising  from  the  principal  in  their  hands  was  not 
yet  sufficient  to  produce  a  competent  and  honorable  salary,  yet  the  im- 
portance of  the  Institution,  and  the  necessity  of  organizing  it  without 
delay,  were  so  impressive,  that  he  would  not  hesitate  to  comply  with 
the  calls  of  the  churches,  being  fully  persuaded  that,  when  he  made 
such  large  and  painful  sacrifices  for  the  public,  he  would  most  assuredly 
not  be  neglected  or  forsaken  by  them. 

In  December,  1810,  the  Board  of  Trustees  Rfsohu-d,  "That,  convinced 
of  the  importance  of  the  presence  of  the  Professor  to  the  Institution,, 
and  of  the  sacrifices  he  makes,  it  is  cheerfully  agreed  that,  as  far  as 
the  income  of  the  Theological  Fund  shall  extend,  the  Professor  shall 
receive  1,700  dollars  per  annum  as  a  salary,  and  three  hundred  dollars 
for  house-rent;  and  wherein  the  funds  may  fall  short,  that  the  defi- 
ciency shall  be  paid  as  soon  as  the  same  shall  be  in  the  power  of  the 
Institution." 

In  August,  181 1,  the  Professor  received  from  the  Treasurer  of  the 
Board  771  86-100  dollars  ;  and,  by  the  last  report  of  the  Treasurer,  it  ap- 
pears that  there  are  about  400  dollars  more  in  his  hands,  which  will  make 
about  1,200  dollars;  being  the  whole  that  is  produced,  and  all  that  is 
paid  for  the  salary  of  two  years. 

This  agreement  was  considered  by  the  Professor,  when  it  was  made^ 
to  be  merely  nominal,  and,  as  he  supposed,  to  be  honorable  for  the  In- 
stitution, that  it  might  appear  equal  to  other  establishments  among  the 
denominations  around  us ;  and  which,  whenever  the  funds  should  be 
found  adequate,  ought  to  be  given ;  but  he  knew  the  funds  were  defi- 
cient, and  it  never  entered  into  his  mind  to  have  the  deficiency  made  up- 
to  him,  or  to  accumulate  a  charge  upon  them.  He  was  content  with 
what  the  Trustees  had  previously  mentioned,  notwithstanding  it  was  in- 
adequate, or  he  would  not  have  removed.  He  knew  it  was  all  they  had 
in  hand,  and  his  zeal  to  promote  the  Institution  urged  him  to  sacrifice 
every  other  consideration.  The  Professor,  in  the  communication  he 
now  makes,  has  nothing  more  in  view  than  simply  and  with  afltectionate 
confidence,  to  state  the  facts  as  far  as  they  have  proceeded  towards 
organizing  the  Theological  School ;  but,  to  remove  all  possible  misap- 
prehension, he  takes  this  opportunity  publicly  and  explicitly  to  renounce 
forever  to  the  Synod  and  Board  of  Trustees  any  claim  which  might  be 
suggested  to  arise  from  the  last  arrangement  made  by  the  Trustees,  as- 
it  respects  any  deficiency  in  the  nominal  increased  salary.  After  serv- 
ing the  churches  thirty  years  in  teaching  students  without  any  com- 
pensation, it  would  be  an  injurious  reflection  upon  him  to  suppose 
that  he  would  ever  prove  burdensome  to  them.  He  seeks  not  yours, 
but  you,  and  would  very  gladly  spend  and  be  spent  for  you. 

From  this   statement  it   is  obvious    that  the  funds  are  still  greatlv- 


376  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL, 

•deficient  for  the  necessary  and  decent  support  of  the  Professorship ; 
and  that  nothing  is  yet  provided  for  the  maintenance,  either  in  whole 
•or  in  part,  of  poor  students,  and  no  provision  made  for  obtaining  a 
library. 

Several  expedients  might  here  be  suggested  to  which  the  attention 
•of  General  Synod  ought  immediately  to  be  turned ;  but  as  a  commit- 
tee is  appointed  for  this  very  purpose,  the  Professor  judges  it  improper 
to  trouble  the  General  Synod  with  his  ideas  upon  the  subject,  but 
Tvill  cheerfully  communicate  them  to  the  committee.  That  it  may  please 
the  Lord  to  direct  the  deliberations  of  the  General  Synod,  and  crown 
the  Institution  with  its  approbation  and  blessing,  is  the  fervent  prayer 
of  the  Professor.  J.  H.  Livingston. 

June  6,  1812. 

Note  34.    Page  104. 
ABRAHAM  VAN  NEST. 

He  went  to  New  York  from  Somerset  Co.,  N.  J.,  in  the  year  1792,  when 
a  lad  fifteen  years  of  age.  In  a  very  few  years  he  had  become  pros- 
perous in  business,  and  by  his  integrity  and  excellent  character  had  so 
commended  himself  that  he  was  placed  in  many  positions  of  trust  and 
responsibility.  By  constant  re-elections  he  was  for  many  years  an  Elder 
in  active  service  in  the  Collegiate  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  and  as  such 
he  was  very  often  appointed  a  member  of  the  General  Synod,  in  which 
body  he  exerted  a  great  influence.  He  was  also  for  many  years  Presi- 
dent of  the  Board  of  Direction. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Rutgers  College  for  nearly 
forty  years,  and  took  a  very  active  part  in  the  resuscitation  of  the  College 
in  1825.  This  was  connected  with  the  raising  of  the  endowment  for  the 
second  professorship  in  the  Seminary.  Mr.  V.  N.  was  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  to  obtain  subscriptions,  and  did  a  very  large  part  of  the  work. 
His  heart  was  in  the  Institutions  at  New  Brunswick.  He  prayed  and 
■worked  and  gave  for  them.  The  minute  adopted  by  the  Trustees  of  Rutgers 
College,  on  the  occasion  of  his  death  in  1864,  well  sets  forth  the  views 
that  led  him  to  labor  so  unweariedly  in  behalf  of  these  Institutions  : 
•"Though  he  had  not  the  advantage  of  a  Collegiate  or  liberal  education, 
he  yet  had  a  high  sense  of  its  value,  and  of  the  importance  of  extensive 
learning  to  give  elevation  and  dignity  of  character,  and  to  fit  for  the  in- 
telligent discharge  of  the  highest  and  most  important  duties  and  callings 
•of  life.  He  was  especially  sensible  of  its  importance  to  the  minister  of 
religion,  and  he  considered  it  next  in  importance  only  to  true  piety  and 
wisdom.  His  strong  attachment  to  the  doctrines  and  government  of 
his  own  Church  and  the  Church  of  his  forefathers  produced  in  him  an 
■earnest  desire  that  it  might  ever  be  blessed  with  a  truly  learned  and  able, 
as  well  as  pious  and  prudent  body  of  ministers.  Hence  he  earnestly  de- 
.sired  the  prosperity  of  the  College,  and  not  only  gave  his  own  liberal 


APPENDIX.  377 

contributions  for  its  support,  but  solicited  and  obtained  liberal  contri- 
butions from  others  for  the  same  object." 

He  was  a  man  of  great  foresight  and  prudence,  had  a  thorough  knowl- 
edge of  men,  and  great  tact  in  obtaining  what  he  sought  from  them. 
While  very  decided  in  his  views  and  strong  in  his  prejudices  he  was  a 
great  lover  of  peace.  He  would  dissent,  but  not  quarrel.  He  was  a  lib- 
eral dispenser  of  hospitality.  His  house  was  the  frequent  resort  of 
many  of  the  great  and  good.  Ministers  of  the  Gospel  were  always  wel- 
come, and  they  never  suffered  by  reason  of  being  ministers  of  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church.  When  he  was  removed  a  vacancy  was  made  in 
the  membership  of  the  Dutch  Church  which  has  not  yet  ceased  to  be  felt. 

ISAAC  HEYER. 

Among  the  pillars  in  the  Collegiate  Church,  and  in  the  denomination 
as  well,  during  the  first  decades  of  the  present  century  were  the  two 
brothers,  Isaac  and  Cornelius  Heyer.  They  were  both  men  of  piety  and 
integrity,  lovers  of  our  Institutions,  and  ready  for  service  in  the  promo- 
tion of  their  interests.  Isaac  Heyer,  who  died  in  1827.  was  for  some 
years  Treasurer  of  the  General  Synod,  and  also  of  Rutgers  College.  He 
performed  the  duties  pertaining  to  these  offices  with  great  care  and 
fidelity,  and  without  pecuniary  compensation.  The  sincerity  of  the  fol- 
lowing tribute  to  his  memory  by  the  Board  of  Direction  no  one  can 
doubt :  "  We  deeply  deplore  the  loss  we  have  sustained  in  the  death  of 
our  late  Treasurer,  Mr.  Isaac  Heyer,  and  while  we  submit  to  the  dispen- 
sation of  Providence  which  has  deprived  us  of  an  associate  who  was 
always  wise  in  counsel,  deliberate  and  judicious  in  his  decisions,  ready 
and  liberal  in  his  benefactions,  and  one  who  entered  into  all  the  plans 
to  advance  the  great  cause  committed  to  their  trust,  with  a  zeal  chas- 
tened by  prudence,  and  an  enlargement  of  views  dictated  by  an  enlight- 
ened benevolence,  we  would  record  the  high  estimation  in  which  we  re- 
gard his  character,  and  the  sincere  affection  we  cherish  for  his  memory. 
In  addition  to  his  unwearied  and  gratuitous  labors  during  life,  he  has, 
by  his  last  will,  devised  to  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Ref.  Prot. 
Dutch  Church  the  sum  of  two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars."  Minutes 
of  Gen.  Synod,  June,  1827,^.  20. 

His  brother,  Cornelius,  whose  daughter  Mr,  James  Suydam  married, 
was  a  man  of  kindred  spirit.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Direc- 
tion, and  performed  the  duties  of  Treasurer  temporarily  after  the  death 
of  his  brother.  He  died  in  1843,  leaving  behmd  him  the  record  of  a  life 
of  devotion  to  God,  and  which  was  fruitful  in  good  works. 

JACOB  R.  HARDENBERGH. 

Jacob  R.  Hardenbergh  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Dr.  J.  R.  Hardenbergh, 
Pastor  of  the  Church  of  New  Brunswick,  and  First  President  of  Queens 
College,  and  Dinah  Van  Bergh,  whom  he  had  married  after  she  had 
been  widowed  by  the  death  of  her  husband.  Rev.  John  Frelinghuysen. 


378  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

She  was  known  as  the  Yeffrow  Hardenbergh,  and  left  a  diary  which  is 
in  MS.  in  the  G.  A.  Sage  Library.  Mr.  H.  always  resided  in  New 
Brunswick,  was  a  lawyer  by  profession,  and  a  citizen  highly  respected 
and  of  great  influence.  He  was  for  many  years  a  Trustee  of  the  College 
of  which  his  father  had  been  the  President,  in  the  prosperity  of  which 
he  was  deeply  interested,  and  for  which  he  labored  indefatigably.  His 
work  done  for  the  Theological  School,  in  collecting  funds  for  its  endow- 
ment, entitles  him  to  grateful  remembrance.  His  son,  Hon.  Cornelius 
L.  Hardenbergh,  LL.D.,  was  a  prominent  member  of  the  bar  of  New 
Jersey.  He  was  also  an  efficient  Trustee  and  devoted  friend  of  the  Col- 
lege, and  an  honored  Elder  of  the  Ref.  Dutch  Church  of  New  Bruns- 
wick. 

CHRISTIAN  MILLER. 
Christian  Miller  was  a  native  of  Hanau,  a  city  near  Frankfort-on-the- 
Main,  and  was  born  March  7th,  1767.  He  came  to  this  country  when 
about  fourteen  years  of  age,  and  the  greater  part  of  his  life  he  spent  in 
mercantile  pursuits  at  Albany.  He  had  received  a  good  education,  and 
was  able  to  converse  in  German,  Low  Dutch,  French  and  English.  He 
was  universally  respected  for  his  business  qualifications,  as  well  as  un- 
bending integrity.  He  was  for  many  years  Treasurer  of  the  Second 
Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  Albany.  He  feared  the  Lord  from  his 
youth,  and  was  for  sixty  years  a  communicant  in  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church.  He  was  a  man  of  devout  spirit  and  habits,  and  a  great  lover  of 
the  Church  and  her  institutions.  When  he  had  become  incapable,  on 
account  of  his  deafness,  of  enjoying  public  worship,  he  was  accustomed, 
when  his  family  was  at  church  on  the  Lord's  day,  to  go  through  all  the 
services  alone  in  his  house.  He  was  a  tower  of  strength  to  his  pastors, 
who  greatly  prized  his  prayers  and  counsels.  It  was  almost  a  matter  of 
course  that  he  should  be  appointed  a  member  of  the  Committee  to  raise 
funds,  in  the  Particular  Synod  of  Albany,  for  the  endowment  of  the 
third  Professorship. 

ABRAHAM  VAN  DYCK. 
He  was  a  lawyer  by  profession,  and  an  honored  Elder  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  Church  of  Coxsackie,  and  a  man  of  great  influence  in  the  north- 
ern portion  of  the  Church.  He  was  a  man  of  liberal  views,  and  an  earn- 
est advocate  of  Christian  Union.  On  this  subject  he  prepared  and  pub- 
lished an  excellent  work.  He  took  great  interest  in  the  endowment  of 
the  Third  Professorship,  and  rendered  efficient  service  as  a  member  of 
the  Committee  to  raise  funds  for  that  purpose. 

NoTe  35.     Page  113. 
COLONEL  HENRY  RUTGERS. 
He  was  acitizen  of  New  York,  of  large  inherited  wealth,  a  distinguished 
patriot,  and  an  eminent  Christian.     He  used  his  wealth  to  serve  the 


APPENDIX. 


379 


causes  of  education,  philanthropy  and  religion.  He  bore  a  commission 
in  the  Army  of  the  Revolution.  On  leaving  his  home  to  join  his  regi- 
ment, he  looked  over  the  wide  domain  that  belonged  to  his  father, 
bounded  by  Division,  Rutgers  and  Jefferson  Streets,  and  the  East  River, 
and  of  which  he  was  the  prospective  heir.  Halting  his  horse,  he  asked 
himself  the  question,  "What  would  I  give  for  a  peaceful  return  to  enjoy 
my  patrimony,  and  how  much  of  it  in  case  of  such  an  issue  would  I 
willingly  bestow  upon  public  and  pious  purposes,  to  glorify  my  God  in 
promoting  the  welfare  of  my  fellow-men  ?  "  Jacob's  vow  occurred  to  his 
recollection  ;  and  he  thought  that  he  should  not  be  less  liberal  than  the 
patriarch  was  at  Bethel.  Henry  Rutgers  devoted  Xha  fourth  of  his  fu- 
ture income.  He  returned  in  peace  to  enjoy  the  freedom  which  he  had 
assisted  in  securing  to  his  country,  and  he  long  lived  to  verify,  by  his 
munificence  to  every  pious  and  benevolent  enterprise,  the  resolution 
which  he  had  then  formed.  On  his  own  estate  he  saw,  before  his  death, 
the  Rutgers-street  and  Maiket-street  Churches,  Free-school  No.  2, 
Fayette-street  School,  and  other  public  institutions,  the  site  of  which  is 
his  donation,  and  which,  besides  other  extensive  institutions  throughout 
the  City  and  the  land,  he  contributed  liberally  to  erect  and  maintain." 
Memoir  of  Rev.  Dr.  Alex.  McLeod. 

Mr.  R.  was  the  first  president  of  the  Board  of  Direction  of  the  Cor- 
poration of  the  General  Synod,  elected  in  1819,  and  was  annually  re- 
elected until  he  was  removed  by  death,  Feb.  25th,  1830.  On  the  revival 
of  Queens  College  in  1825,  the  General  Synod  and  Trustees  agreed  that 
the  name  Rutgers  should  be  given  to  it,  "as  a  mark  of  their  respect  for 
his  character,  and  in  gratitude  for  his  numerous  services  rendered  the 
Reformed  Dutch  Church."  In  1826,  he  made  a  donation  to  its  funds  of 
$5,000. 

Note  36.    Page  117. 
Foreign   Missionaries,  Graduates  of  the  Seminary. 


)r- 


NAME. 


David  Abeel 

Elbert  Nevius 

William  Youngblood.  . 
Jacob  Ennis 

Elihu  Doty 

William  J.  Pohlman.  .  . 

Frederick  B.  Thompson 
William  T.  Van  Doren. 

Isaac  P.  Stryker 

William  H.  Steele 

John  V.  N.  Talmage.  .  . 


Sailed. 


Destination. 


Date  of  Return  or  Death. 


1829     China,  etc.    Died  1846. 
1836     Borneo...    Returned  1842. 
1836     Borneo..  .    Returned  1849. 

1836     Java Returned  1841. 

\  lava 

1836  I  ■  Borneo.  .  Died  1864. 

i  r  China  ... 
,0,0  \  Borneo. 
'^3^  j"/ China.. 
1838  I  Borneo.  . 
1840  I  Borneo  . . 
1840  Borneo.. 
1842  Borneo.  . 
1847  China  .  .  . 


Died  1849. 

Died  1847. 
Returned  1842. 
Died  1842. 
Returned  1849. 


Died  1859. 
Died 


380  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Foreign  Missionaries,  Graduates  of  the  Seminary — Continued. 


NAME. 

Sailed. 

Destin-ation. 

Date  of  Return  or  Death. 

Joseph  Scudder 

1851 

India 

Returned  1859.   Died  1876. 

John  S.  Joralmon 

i8ss 

China  . . .  . 

Returned  1858. 

Jared  W.  Scudder 

18=;=; 

India 

Ezekiel  C.  Scudder 

I8SS 

India 

Returned  1875. 

Joseph  Mayou 

1858 

India 

Returned  1869. 

Daniel  Rapelje 

1858 

China  .  , . . 

Alvin  Ostrom 

1858 
I8S9 

China.  . .  . 
India 

Returned  1864. 

Jacob  Chamberlain 

John  E.  Watkins 

i860 

China  ,  ,  . . 

Lost  on  the  voyage  out. 

John  Scudder 

1861 
1861 

India 

India 

Leonard  W.  Kip 

James  H.  Ballagh 

1861 

Japan  .... 

Augustus  Blauvelt 

1862 

China.  .  .  . 

Returned  1864. 

Philip    Berry 

1863 

Beirut.  . .. 

Returned  1865. 
Returned  1873. 

John  H.  Van  Doren  .  ,  .  . 

1864 

China.  .  .  . 

Henry  Stout 

1868 

Japan  .... 
China.  .  .  . 

John  A.  Davis 

1868 

Returned  1871. 

John  H.  Wvckoff 

1874 

India 

James  L.  Amerman  .... 

1876 

Japan .... 

David  M.  Talmage 

1877 

China  .... 

Returned  1881. 

Eugene  S.  Booth 

1S80 

Japan  .... 

John  W.  Conklin 

1881 

India 

Lambertus  Hekhuis .... 

1881 

India  

Ezekiel  C.  Scudder,  Jr. . 

1882 

India 

Kumage  Kimura 

1882 

Japan  .... 

Moto  Oghimi 

1882 

Japan  .... 
Japan  .... 

Nathan  H.  Demarest .  .  . 

1882 

Alexander  S.  Van  Dyck  . 

1883 

China  .... 

Howard  Harris 

1884 

Japan .... 

Horace  G.  Underwood  .  . 

1884 

Corea .... 

Note  37.    Page  118. 
Hon.  STEPHEN  VAN  RENSSELAER. 

He  was  a  lineal  descendant  of  Kilian  Van  Rensselaer  the  first  patroon  of 
Rensselaerwyck,  N.  Y.  His  mother  was  a  daughter  of  Philip  Livingston, 
one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  His  father 
having  died  when  Stephen  was  a  child,  his  mother  subsequently  married 
Rev.  Dr.  Westerlo,  the  pastor  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  Albany.  He  was 
graduated  from  Harvard  College  in  1782.  He  was  called  by  his  fellow- 
citizens  to  many  positions  of  honor  and  trust.  He  was  frequently  a 
member  of  the  House  of  Assembly  of  the  State  of  New  York.  He  was 
also  a  member  of  the  State  Senate,  a  member  of  two  conventions  to 
revise  the  State  Constitution,  representative  in  Congress,  State  Commis- 
sioner, President  of  the  Canal  Board,  and  Chancellor  of  the  New  York 
University.     During  the  war  of  1812,  he  was  a  General  in  active  service 


APPENDIX.  381 

on  the  Canadian  frontier,  and  at  the  battle  of  Queenstown  acquitted 
himself  with  great  honor. 

He  was  a  man  of  excellent  intellectual  endowments,  of  sound  judg- 
ment and  firm  Christian  principle.  His  tastes  were  simple,  his  affec- 
tions warm  and  kindly,  his  manner  affable  and  winning.  He  was  an 
humble,  experimental  Christian,  a  lover  of  his  Saviour,  and  a  devoted 
and  prayerful  student  of  His  word.  Blessed  with  worldly  abundance,  he 
was  exceedingly  liberal  in  contributions  to  every  good  work.  He  loved 
the  Dutch  Church  and  its  Institutions,  and  the  Theological  Seminary 
was  more  than  once  the  recipient  of  his  bounty. 

His  son,  Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  followed  his  example  in  this 
respect  by  contributing  5,000  dollars  toward  the  endowment  of  the 
Fourth  Professorship,  and  his  grand-son,  Eugene  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq., 
also,  by  contributing  the  same  sum  to  the  Permanent  Fund  through  the 
agency  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cornell.  See  Rev.  Dr.  T.  E.  Vertnilyes  Sermon. 
Address  by  Hon.  D.  D.  Barnard. 


Note  38.    Page  127. 
MRS.  ANNA  HERTZOG. 

[From  C.nvin's  Manual,  p.  109.] 

Peter  Hertzog  was  a  native  and  a  citizen  of  Philadelphia,  of  German 
ancestry.  He  was  an  upright  and  successful  business  man,  of  dignified 
presence  and  well-balanced  character,  gentle  in  his  deportment,  benevo- 
lent in  his  impulses,  and  a  firm  and  honorable  friend.  He  was  a  con- 
stant attendant  of  the  Crown  Street  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  under  the 
ministry  of  the  Rev.  Jacob  Brodhead,  D.D.,  and  of  the  Rev.  George 
W.  Bethune,  D.D.,  and  was  one  of  the  founders  and  liberal  contribu- 
tors for  the  building  and  support  of  the  Third  Reformed  Dutch  Church 
of  that  city.  He  was  the  President  of  its  Board  of  Trustees  for  several 
years,  and  was  always  one  of  its  most  useful  and  devoted"  friends.  He 
never  made  a  public  profession  of  his  faith  in  Christ,  but  had  intended 
to  do  so  at  the  communion  which  took  place  only  two  weeks  after  his  de- 
cease. Mr.  Hertzog  died  in  January,  1842,  in  the  sixty-second  year  of 
his  age.  His  widow,  Mrs.  Anna  Hertzog,  was  a  woman  of  strong  mind 
and  well-developed  character.  She  was  prudent  and  wise,  self-reliant 
and  yet  modest,  active  and  self-contained,  dignified  and  somewhat 
quaint  in  manner  and  speech,  eminently  pious  and  attached  to  the 
Church  and  to  the  orthodox  faith,  kind-hearted  and  benevolent,  Down 
to  her  last  year  of  life  she  transacted  her  own  business,  and  managed 
her  household  affairs  with  old-fashioned  exactness  and  regularity.  She 
was  scrupulously  punctual  at  church,  and  manifested  unfailing  interest 
in  every  thing  that  concerned  its  welfare.  Being  childless,  and  re- 
vering the  memory  of  her  late  husband  with  almost  passionate  ardor, 
she  erected  and  endowed  "  The  Peter  Hertzog  Theological  Hall  "  as  the 


382  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

monument  of  her  love  to  him.     The  honor  of  suggesting  this  appropri- 
ation of  funds  to  her  is  due  to  her  confidential  friend,  the  late  Rev.  Dr. 
John  Ludlow,  by  whose  advice  she  had  previously  inserted  in  her  will 
a  legacy  of  $25,000  to  endow  a  professorship  in  the  Theological  Semin- 
ary at  New  Brunswick,  which  was  to  bear  the  same  honored  name.     But 
when  the  necessities  of  the  Institution  required  a  hall,  Dr.   Ludlow    in- 
duced Mrs.  H.  to  anticipate  and  revoke  this  legacy,  and  to  devote  the 
aforesaid  sum  to  the  proposed  hall.     At   the   further  suggestion  of  her 
pastor.   Rev.  W.  J.  R.  Taylor,  D.D.,  who  co-operated  with  Dr.  Ludlow 
in  this  matter,  she  added  $5,000  to  it,  making  the  sum  $30,000,  to  which 
she  made  a  subsequent  addition  of  about  $800  for  completing  the  edifice  ; 
and  in  her  will 'was  found  a  legacy  of  $10,000,  the  interest  of  which  only 
is  to  be  used  for  the  maintenance  and  repairs  of  the  hall.  Mrs.  Hertzog's 
liberality  found  many  other  unostentatious  channels   during  her  long 
life,  and  specially  in  her  latter  years.     Her  serene  and  beautiful  old  age 
was  cheered  by  unwavering  trust  in  Christ,  and   it  closed  in  a  peaceful 
and  happy  death  on  the  9th  day  of  June,   1866,  in  her   eightieth   year. 
Her  remains  were  interred  beside  those  of  her  husband  in  the  beautiful 
Laurel  Hill  Cemetery,  on  the  bank  of  the  Schuylkill   River.     The  Gen- 
eral Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  being  in  session  at  the   time,  after 
receiving  official  tidings  of  her  departure,  passed   a  series  of  appropri- 
ate resolutions  in  commendation  of  their  deceased  benefactress,  and  ap- 
pointed the  Faculty  of  the  Theological  Seminary  as  a  special  committee 
to  attend  her  obsequies.     (See  Minutes  of  General  Synod,  Jtme,  1866,  pp. 
Ill,  112.) 

Note  39.  Page  127. 
Donors  of  the  Seminary  Site. 
COL.  JAMES  NEILSON. 
He  was  a  native  and  life-long  resident  of  New  Brunswick.  His  father, 
Col.  John  Neilson,  was  one  of  its  most  distinguished  and  mfluential  citi- 
zens. When  the  Declaration  of  Independence  had  been  brought  on  from 
Philadelphia,  he  read  it  to  the  assembled  multitude  in  the  streets  of  New 
Brunswick.  He  was  not  one  of  the  original  Charter  Trustees  of  the 
College,  but  was  at  an  early  period  of  its  history  elected  a  member  of 
the  Board,  and  he  was  greatly  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  Institu- 
tion. His  son  James  was  a  Trustee  for  many  years,  and  was  regarded 
by  his  associates  as  one  of  the  most  faithful  and  useful  of  their  number. 
He  was  a  man  of  wealth,  and  was  identified  from  their  inception  with 
many  of  the  public  improvements  in  New  Jersey,  as  the  Delaware  and 
Raritan  Canal,  the  railroads,  etc.,  and  also  with  the  establishment  of  the 
first  of  the  large  manufactories  now  so  numerous  in  the  city.  Though  con- 
nected with  the  Presbyterian  Church,  he  shewed  his  interest  in  the  Theo- 
logical School,  as  well  as  the  College,  by  giving  a  large  and  valuable  plot 
of  ground  for  a  site  for  a  Theological  Hall,  as  soon  as  it  had  been  deter- 


APPENDIX.  383 

mined  to  erect  such  a  buildinj:j.  The  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  there- 
fore, as  well  as  the  citizens  of  New  Brunswick,  has  good  reason  to  hold 
him  in  grateful  remembrance. 

CHARLES  P.  DAYTON. 
He  was  not  a  native  of  New  Brunswick,  but  was  for  many  years  a  prom- 
inent citizen,  having  early  in  life  made  it  his  place  of  business  and  his 
home.  He  was  a  successful  merchant,  and  the  students  of  both  Insti- 
tutions, for  more  than  one  decade,  who  read  this,  will  readily  call  him  to 
mind.  He  was  a  man  of  unimpeached  integrity,  and  lived  the  useful 
life  of  one  who  is  always  ready  to  perform  the  duties  of  a  good  citizen. 
He,  too,  was  a  Presbyterian,  but  that  did  not  prevent  him  from  aiding 
the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  by  contribut- 
ing a  valuable  lot  toward  the  formation  of  a  spacious  Campus. 

DAVID  BISHOP. 
He  was  the  son  of  James  Bishop,  for  many  years  a  prominent  and  suc- 
cessful merchant  of  New  Brunswick.  He  was  graduated  from  Rutgers 
College  in  1843,  but  on  account  of  a  delicate  state  of  health,  which  con- 
tinued through  life,  he  did  not  study  a  profession,  nor  did  he  devote 
himself  to  any  line  of  business.  When  the  location  of  Peter  Hertzog 
Hall  had  been  determined  on,  he  gave  valuable  lots  from  his  adjoining 
property  to  be  added  to  what  was  contributed  by  others.  But  timely 
and  valuable  as  this  gift  was,  it  was  by  no  means  all  that  entitles  him  to 
the  grateful  remembrance  of  the  Church.  He  served  for  many  years  on 
the  Committee  to  which  the  Synod  entrusted  the  care  of  the  property, 
and  rendered  very  important  services.  He  took  great  delight  in  work- 
ing for  the  Institution,  and  was  able  to  do  much  by  reason  of  the  near- 
ness of  his  residence  to  the  Hall  and  grounds.  He  was  vigilant,  prompt 
and  indefatigable  in  personal  supervision  of  repairs  and  improvements. 
He  was  a  man  of  public  spirit,  and  was  ever  abreast  of  the  foremost 
of  those  who  favored  improvements  that  promised  to  be  of  true  advan- 
tage to  the  city.  He  had  much  to  do  with  placing  the  public  schools  of 
New  Brunswick  on  a  respectable  basis,  in  organizing  the  system,  in 
creating  interest  in  them,  and  moulding  public  opinion  in  favor  of  lib- 
eral action  regarding  them.  He  was  for  many  years  a  Trustee  of  Rut- 
gers College,  always  maintained  the  greatest  loyalty  to,  and  affection 
for  his  Alma  Mater,  and  was  never  better  pleased  than  to  talk  with 
some  old  College  associate  about  the  honored  professors  at  whose  feet 
they  had  sat. 

THE  MESSRS.  FRANCIS  AND  WESSEL  WESSELS. 
These  two   brothers  were  descendants  of  the  Wessels  family  of  the 
City  of  New  York.     The  name  is  common   in  the  records  of  the  Col- 
legiate Church.     They  attended  Dr.  Van  Vranken's  Church  in  Broome 
street.  New  York,  and  subsequently  removed  to  Paramus,  N.  J.    They 


384  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

placed  themselves  among  the  liberal  benefactors  of  the  Seminary  at  the 
time  of  the  building  of  Hertzog  Hall,  by  generously  furnishing  the 
means  to  enable  the  Church  to  complete  the  purchase  of  the  tract  of 
land  on  which  the  Hall  is  located.  Francis  Wessels  died  at  Paramus,- 
on  Dee.  27th,  1864.  in  the  726  year  of  his  age.  Wessel  Wessels  died  at 
the  same  place,  Oct.  22d,  1869,  in  the  74th  year  of  his  age. 


Note  40.    Page  129. 

Re-transfer  of  the  College  Property  by  the  General  Synod^ 
TO  THE  Trustees  of  Rutgers  College. 

1.  Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Direction  be,  and  they  are  hereby 
authorized  and  directed  to  convey  the  title  to  the  ground  and  buildings 
at  New  Brunswick,  known  as  "  Rutgers  College,"  to  the  Trustees  of 
Rutgers  College  for  the  sum  of  twelve  thousand  dollars,  to  be  paid  by 
said  Trustees  as  follows  :  One  thousand  dollars  on  the  delivery  of  the 
deed  of  conveyance,  and  eleven  thousand  dollars,  May  ist,  1867,  or  when 
possession  shall  be  given  to  said  Trustees  of  the  wings  of  the  College 
building,  now  occupied  as  residences  by  the  Theological  Professors,  if 
given  before  said  date  ;  said  payment  of  eleven  thousand  dollars  to  be 
meantime  secured  by  mortgage  on  said  property,  bearing  no  interest 
until  due. 

Provided,  That  the  deed  of  conveyance  shall  reserve  to  the  Synod  the 
use  of  the  said  portions  of  the  College  building  occupied  as  Profes- 
sorial residences,  until  May  ist,  1867,  for  such  residences,  if  the  Synod 
shall  elect  to,  and  use  them  until  that  date  ; 

And  Provided  further,  That  the  deed  of  conveyance  shall  contain 
conditions,  properly  framed  under  competent  legal  advice,  that  the 
property  so  conveyed  shall  be  used  and  occupied  by  the  College,  for  the 
purpose  of  collegiate  ediication  and  the  usual  and  proper  incidents 
thereto  ;  and  that  the  President  of  the  College  and  three-fourths  of  the 
members  of  its  Board  of  Trustees  shall  always  be  members  in  full  com- 
munion of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  of  North  America ; 
and  that,  on  breach  of  either  of  these  conditions,  the  deed  of  convey- 
ance shall  be  void,  and  the  title  to  the  property  revert  to  the  Synod. 

2.  Resolved,  That  the  said  sum  of  twelve  thousand  dollars,  to  be  so 
paid  by  the  Trustees  of  the  College,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  set 
apart  as  a  fund  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  upon  the  grounds  of  the 
Hertzog  Theological  Hall,  residences  for  the  Theological  Professors  ; 
and,  until  such  time  as  it  may  be  deemed  expedient  to  erect  such  resi- 
dences, the  Board  of  Direction  are  instructed  to  have  said  sum  safely 
invested  in  such  manner  that  it  may  be  readily  made  available,  when 
required,  in  defraying  the  expense  of  such  erection.  Min.  Gen.  Synod, 
1864,  p.  471. 


APPENDIX.  385 

Note  41.    Page  135. 

Moneys  Received  Through  Rev.  James  A.  H.  Cornell,  D.D.,  for 
Books  for  the  Gardner  A.  Sage  Library.    1869-72 

Jonathan  Slurges        .         . $2,500 

D.  Jackson  Steward 2,500 

James  Suydam  .  .........  3,500 

\Vm.  T.  Runk 2,500 

Gardner  A.  Sage         ...  .  .  .  .  .  2,500 

Rev.  Dr.  John  Vanderveer      ......      2,500 

Charles  B.  Lansing  .......  2,500 

Rev.  Dr.  Fred.  F.  Cornell  ......      2,500 

John  A.  Hardenbergh         .......  2,500 

James  E.  Hedges  .......       2,500 

Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  De  Witt  ......  2,500 

P.  A.  H.  Jackson         .......       2,500 

Mrs.  Mary  Board  .....  .    3,000 

Wm.  Fuller       ........        2,500 

Daniel  Mapes        ........  2,500 

Hiram  W.  Masten         ...  .  ...       2,500 

John  Lefferts  ........  2,500 

Henry  H.  Farnum  .......  1,900 

James  Anderson,  M.D.         ......        1,000 


Note  42.    Page  136. 
Mrs.  G.  W.  Bethune's  Gift  to  the  Library. 

"  To  the  Rez>.  D.  D.  Demarest : 

"  Dear  Sir — I  have  great  pleasure  in  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  the 
resolutions  of  Synod.  It  has  given  me  much  satisfaction  to  make  the 
gift  to  the  Theological  Library,  feeling  the  books  my  beloved  husband 
so  carefully  collected  will  be  appreciated  and  used  for  the  good  of  the 
Church  he  so  much  loved,  and  to  which  he  gave  all  the  energies  of  the 
great  mmd  God  had  given  him.  I  deeply  regret  the  unavoidable  delay 
in  the  carrying  out  of  my  husband's  and  my  own  wishes,  and  I  beg  you 
to  assure  the  Synod  of  my  desire  and  intention  of  transferring  the  books 
to  them  immediately.  Yours  in  Christian  bonds, 

"  Mary  Bethune. 

"July  30,  1863." 

Dr.  Bethune  gave  all  his  property  by  will  to  Mrs.  Bethune.  In  the 
noble  gift  she  has  made  to  the  Synod,  she  faithfully  carries  into  efTect 
the  intention  of  her  husband  in  the  following  bequest  made  in  case  she 
should  not  survive  him  : 

"All  my  books  on  theological  and  classical  learning,  or  bearing  upon 
25 


386  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

these  subjects,  I  give  to  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Protestant 
Dutch  Church,  for  the  sole,  unrestricted,  and  perpetual  use  of  the 
Theological  Seminary  of  said  Church,  on  condition  that  they  be  put  and 
always  kept  in  good  order,  with  the  name  of  '  Bethune'  printed  on  the 
and  on  the  inside  of  the  front  cover;  which  shall  be  done  to  the  entire 
satisfaction  in  the  first  instance  and  approval  of  my  dear  friend,  the 
Rev.  Abraham  R.  Van  Nest,  Doctor  in  Divinity,  the  Professor  of  Sacred 
Languages,  and  the  Professor  of  Theology  for  the  time  being  in  the 
said  Seminary,  and  to  the  approval  of  them  and  their  successors  in  the 
office  afterwards." 

The  following  account  of  the  library  donated  has  been  furnished  by 
Rev.  Dr.  Abraham  R.  Van  Nest : 

"The  bequest  of  Dr.  Bethune  to  the  Seminary,  will  probably  cover 
3,000  volumes. 

"  A  large  portion  of  his  library  is,  of  course,  theological,  embracing 
nearly  all  the  standard  writers.  Church  of  England,  Puritan  and  others. 
Among  them  we  notice  an  excellent  and  somewhat  numerous  and  rare 
group  of  French  Protestant  preachers,  and  all  the  French  Catholic 
preachers  of  celebrity.  Several  shelves  are  occupied  with  the  more 
noted  Catholic  writers  of  systems  and  controversy,  among  which  stand 
conspicuous  the  '  Catena  Aurea  '  and  '  Sum7na  '  of  Aquinas  ;  Sanchez,, 
the  fountain  head  of  Jesuitical  casuistry,  '  De  Sancto  Matrimonzo  ' ;  and 
his  several  followers  down  to  Archbishop  Kendrick,  besides  others, 
which  furnish  a  ready  armory  to  turn  against  the  Church  of  Rome  ; 
systems,  critical  works,  ecclesiastical  histories,  geographies  ancient  and 
modern,  and  of  all  classes,  and  most  of  the  infidel  oppugnators  whose 
sophisms  a  thorough  divine  should  understand  to  refute  on  sufficient 
occasion.  The  Fathers  are  far  from  complete,  but  there  are  good  edi- 
tions of  favorites,  Gregory  Nazianzen,  St.  Bernard,  Ambrose  "  the 
glorious  Bishop  of  Milan,'  etc.,  etc.  There  are  also  many  of  the  greater 
and  minor  Reformers,  some  in  full,  others  in  part,  also  some  rare  books 
of  curiosity  bearing  on  the  profession.  The  classical  portion  of  the 
library  is  good.  Scarcely  any  Greek  or  Latin  writer  is  wanting,  from 
Homer  to  Proclus.  if  the  Hermaic  mystic  deserve  the  rank  of  a  classic. 
The  editions  are  all  good,  most  of  them  the  best.  Among  them  we  ob- 
serve all  the  Byzantine  historians,  the  ancient  geographers,  writers  '  JDe 
Re  Rustica,'  various  works  on  customs  and  arts — in  fact,  whatever  bears 
on  classical  research  and  gossip  (like  Gellius  and  Athenaeus),  are  ready 
at  hand.  The  student  is  not  obliged  to  take  anything  at  second 
hand. 

"  There  is  also  a  choice  and  curious  collection  of  works  on  ancient 
mythologies  and  mysteries  from  modern  hands.  Indeed,  there  are  few 
subjects  connected  with  ancient  religious  or  moral  opinion  on  which 
there  is  not  one  or  more  trustworthy  volumes. 

"  There  are  not  a  few  curiosities  which  would  be  eagerly  coveted  by  a 
bibliomaniac.     Indeed,  it  was  the  Doctor's  rule  not  to  buy  books  which 


APPENDIX.  387 

can  be  readily  obtained,  but  to  seize  on  the  rare  the  moment  an  oppor- 
tunity offered." 

Note  43.    Page  136. 

Report   of   the  Committee  on   Selection  of   Books   for  the 
Gardner  A.  Sage  Library,  1882.    {Mtns.  Gen.  Syn.,  1882,  p.  135.) 

It  is  now  seven  years  since  this  Committee  was  first  constituted.  At 
that  time  there  remained  of  the  fund  for  library  purposes,  gathered  by 
the  intelligent  zeal  of  the  Rev.  J.  A.  H.  Cornell,  D.D.  (to  whom  the 
Church  owes  an  unmcasurable  debt  of  gratitude),  a  sum  not  far  from 
thirty  thousand  dollars.  This  has  all  been  expended  with  the  exception 
of  two  thousand  dollars  in  bonds  which  are  not  available  at  present. 
Hereafter  the  Library  will  depend  for  its  increase  upon  the  income  of 
the  fund  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  given  by  the  Church's  princely  bene- 
factor, Mr.  Gardner  A.  Sage. 

At  this  point  it  may  be  well  to  review  what  has  been  done.  The  Com- 
mittee, meeting  monthly  during  the  working  period  of  the  year,  has 
held  forty-eight  sessions  in  all.  During  the  interval  of  these  meetings 
an  active  correspondence  was  maintained  with  scholars  in  this  and  other 
lands,  and  no  pains  were  spared  to  acquire  the  information  needed  for 
the  right  discharge  of  the  trust  committed  to  us.  The  Library  which  in 
1870  numbered  about  8,000  vols.,  had  increased  in  1875  to  24,000.  It  now 
numbers  (besides  many  pamphlets)  over  35,000*  volumes,  the  great 
majority  of  which  are  abundantly  worthy  of  the  place  they  occupy.  As 
a  whole,  the  collection  invites  the  criticism  of  competent  judges.  There 
are  other  collections  which  are  larger,  or  have  more  incunabula  or  mere 
literary  curiosities,  or  are  richer  in  some  special  department,  but  we 
know  of  none  which  surpasses  this  in  the  requisite  of  a  good  working 
Library  for  a  Theological  Seminary.  Little  or  no  money  has  been  expended 
for  books  of  ephemeral  interest  or  of  a  merely  popular  character.  The 
constant  study_  has  been  to  procure  the  ablest  works,  old  or  new,  in  ail 
the  departments  of  knowledge  that  belong  to  or  bear  upon  the  science 
of  theology,  so  that  while  the  professors  may  pursue  their  investigations 
without  limit,  the  student,  even  though  he  have  no  leisure  to  read  these 
elaborate  tomes,  yet  may  become  familiar  with  the  sources  of  knowledge 
and  learn  enough  to  guide  intelligently  the  studies  of  subsequent  years. 
While  no  one  branch  has  been  neglected,  special  attention  has  been 
given  to  the  history,  theology  and  literature  of  Holland.  Every  name  of 
note  in  the  fatherland  is  represented  here,  and  most  of  them  in  Opera 
Omnia.  Of  the  Heidelberg  Catechism  there  are  more  than  a  hundred 
and  fifty  different  expositions,  and  the  volumes  on  the  Remonstrant 
Controversy  amount  to  many  hundreds.  So,  too.  Philosophy  and  its  His- 
tory, in  French  and   German,  as  well  as  Latin,  has  been  carefully  con- 

*  Now,   1S85,  the  number  is  36,831  volumes. 


388  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

sidered.  especially  that  part  of  it  that  respects  the  relations  of  Physical 
Science  and  Religion.  In  Apologetics,  as  it  stands  at  this  hour,  the 
Library  has  little  to  desire.  Of  course,  there  will  continue  to  be  needed 
additions  from  the  literature  of  the  day,  so  that  the  Institution  may 
keep  fully  abreast  of  the  progress  of  modern  thought ;  but  so  far  as  the 
past  is  concerned  the  chief  collections  have  been  secured,  and  those 
who  come  after  us  will  require  only  to  build  upon  a  foundation  already 
laid.  And  such  further  building  is  to  be  looked  for.  For  although 
within  the  past  twelve  years  fifty  thousand  dollars  have  been  laid  out 
and  in  the  main  most  wisely,  still  an  equal  sum  could  even  now  be  em- 
ployed with  great  advantage.  The  right  kind  of  a  Library  is  always 
growing  ;  and  the  very  excellence  of  the  present  collection  is  a  motive 
and  a  stimulus  to  make  it  still  larger  and  better. 

An  excellent  card  catalogue  has  been  prepared,  and  a  visitor  finds  no 
difficulty  in  gaining  immediate  access  to  the  contents  of  any  shelf.  A 
printed  catalogue  will  be  a  great  convenience  to  the  ministry  at  large  in 
enabling  them  to  ascertain  at  a  glance  what  books  are  on  hand,  but  this 
would  cost  at  least  $1,500,  a  sum  which  we  have  no  authority  to  expend 
for  such  a  purpose.  If,  however,  any  kind  friend  should  contribute  such 
a  sum  to  this  end,  it  would  be  a  very  welcome  and  useful  gift. 

Finally,  the  Committee  lay  down  their  trust  with  no  small  emotion. 
They  have  labored  diligently  and  to  the  extent  of  their  ability  for  seven 
years  in  the  performance  of  their  work,  and  naturally  they  have  come 
to  cherish  a  deep  interest  in  the  Library,  and  a  growing  desire  to  see  it 
approach  nearer  and  still  nearer  to  a  perfect  standard.  Already  it  is 
one  of  the  strongest  educational  forces  of  our  beloved  Seminary ;  and 
its  power  for  good  will  increase  day  by  day  as  it  fills  out  its  plans  more 
completely,  and  becomes  a  still  more  full  and  accurate  representation  of 
the  entire  literature  belonging  to  sacred  themes.  God  grant  that  it  may 
have  such  a  prosperous  future — one  that  will  fully  compensate  alike  those 
whose  liberal  gifts  paid  for  this  stately  and  valuable  collection,  and  the 
far-seeing  man  who  erected  the  commodious  and  enduring  edifice  in 
which  it  is  lodged.  On  behalf  of  the  Committee, 

Talbot  W.  Chambers,  Chairman. 

May  27,  1882. 

Note  44. 

JAMES  SUYDAM  HALL. 
By  Mr.  John  C.  Van  Dyke. 
The  gift  of  the  late  Mr.  James  Suydam,  of  New  York,  is  an  imposing 
structure  standing  at  the  right  of  Peter  Hertzog  Hall.  It  is  an  ecclesi- 
astical type  of  architecture  of  the  Romanesque  period,  and  in  exterior 
appearance  is  not  unlike  the  Roman  Basilicas  of  the  fourth  century. 
The  facade  and  porch  are  of  a  different  style,  however,  and  are  essential 
Renaissance.      The   building  is  of  pressed  brick,  trimmed  with  Nova 


APPENDIX.  3«9 

Scotia  sandstone,  and  roofed  with  slate.  Its  size  is  something  over  one 
hundred  feet  in  length  by  seventy-five  feet  in  width,  and  is  three  stories 
in  height,  with  clerestory  windows  at  the  top,  and  long  arched  windows 
at  the  sides,  lighting  each  floor.  The  porch  is  of  solid  Nova  Scotia 
stone,  and  stands  out  from  the  front  of  the  building,  with  a  long  classic 
entablature,  supported  by  four  fluted  columns,  standing  upon  a  wide 
platform  of  stone.  This  platform,  is  reached  by  staircases  of  stone  as- 
cending from  the  ground  on  each  side,  and  meeting  over  the  top  of  the 
first  floor  entrance.  This  first  floor  entrance  leads  through  double 
doors  into  the  gymnasium,  which,  with  its  lavatories,  occupies  the 
whole  of  the  ground  floor.  It  is  admirably  fitted  up  for  the  purpose  of 
athletic  sports  and  exercise.  Every  variety  of  apparatus  used  in  modern 
athletics  is  at  hand,  and  there  is  abundant  room  for  games  requiring 
running  and  leaping.  The  whole  building  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is 
well  lighted  and  ventilated.  Ascending  the  stone  staircases  without, 
brings  the  visitor  up  to  the  stone  platform,  and  through  the  columns 
another  series  of  steps  lead  through  three  large  doors  to  the  main  lec- 
ture-rooms. There  are  six  of  these,  situated  three  on  each  side  of  the 
main  hallway,  which  runs  through  to  the  rear  of  the  building  and  enters 
the  chapel.  All  of  these  rooms  are  handsomely  fitted  up  to  correspond 
with  the  general  character  of  the  building.  Interior  staircases  of  iron, 
from  the  vestibule  of  the  porch,  lead  up  on  each  side  to  the  third  floor, 
where  the  museum  of  the  Seminary  is  kept,  and  where  the  Society  of 
Inquiry  has  its  rooms.  Besides  many  portraits  there  are  many  rare  and 
curious  articles  to  be  seen  in  the  museum.  The  collection  was  mainly 
presented  by  foreign  missionaries  of  the  Church.  There  is  also  here  a 
collection  of  books  on  missions.  These  rooms  are  lighted  from  the 
clerestory  windows,  but  in  addition  to  them  there  is  a  large  semi-circu- 
lar window  in  the  front,  and  over  the  stone  coping  of  this  window,  as 
seen  from  without,  are  the  words  in  stone  relief,  "  James  Suydam  Hall." 
The  building  is  surrounded  by  a  cement  pavement,  and  the  terraces  on 
the  sides  are  sodded  and  kept  in  good  condition. 

GARDNER  A.  SAGE  LIBRARY. 
By  Mr.  John  C.  Van  Dyke. 
The  gift  of  the  late  Col.  Gardner  A.  Sage,  of  New  York,  stands  to  the 
left  of  Peter  Hertzog  Hall,  and  in  position  and  architecture  is  comple- 
mentary to  James  Suydam  Hall  on  the  right.  It  was  built  to  correspond 
in  general  appearance,  though  it  is  a  trifle  smaller,  being  about  eighty 
feet  long  by  fifty  feet  wide,  and  three  stories  in  height.  It  is  built  of 
the  same  style  of  brick  and  stone  as  the  James  Suydam  Hall,  and  the 
roofing,  trimmings  and  cornices  are  of  corresponding  design.  The 
porch  is  slightly  different.  Nine  long  curved  steps  of  Nova  Scotia  stone, 
guarded  by  balustrades  of  stone,  lead  up  from  the  flagged  platform  to 
the  main  entrance.  The  arched  doorway  is  protected  by  a  broad  en- 
tablature, and  the  architrave  is  supported  by  four  Doric  columns,  two 


390  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL.  , 

on  each  side.  Over  the  arch  of  the  entrance  are  the  words,  in  stone  re- 
lief, "  Gardner  A.  Sage  Library."  Entering  the  first  doors  leads  us  into 
a  vestibule,  and  from  thence  a  few  steps  through  second  doors  bring 
us  upon  the  main  floor  of  the  Library.  Here  the  likeness  of  the  archi- 
tecture to  that  of  the  fourth  century  Basilicas  becomes  more  apparent. 
The  third  floor  becomes  a  gallery  on  each  side,  and  from  the  main  floor 
to  the  arched  roof  is  clear.  The  gallery  which  in  the  Basilica  was  sup- 
ported by  columns  is  here  supported  by  stone  partitions  and  arches, 
which  serv^e  to  define  the  alcoves  for  holding  books.  There  are  seven 
of  these  arched  alcoves  on  each  side,  and  seven  to  correspond  in  the 
gallery  above.  The  rows  of  windows  are  so  arranged  that  one  window 
is  devoted  to  lighting  each  alcove.  These,  in  addition  to  the  clerestory 
windows  and  the  long  arched  windows  at  the  front  and  rear,  give  all  the 
light  requisite  for  the  use  of  a  Library.  To  the  right  of  the  main  en- 
trance is  a  door  leading  to  the  fire-proof  vault,  where  are  kept  the  Syn- 
od's archives.  To  the  left  is  a  corresponding  door  leading  by  a  winding 
iron  staircase  to  the  second  floor  or  gallery,  which  corresponds  to  the 
first  floor  in  the  number  of  its  alcoves  and  windows.  It  is  guarded  by 
an  ornamental  railing  that  runs  around  the  whole  interior  of  the  build- 
ing. Descending  the  iron  staircase  brings  one  to  the  basement  floor, 
which  has  an  arched  ceiling  suspended  upon  wrought  iron  beams,  and 
has  in  alcoves,  partitions  and  windows  the  same  equipment  as  the  main 
floor  and  gallery.  It  has  also  separate  entrances  from  without.  There 
are  forty-two  alcoves  in  the  building,  all  furnished  with  handsomely 
polished  walnut  bookcases,  and  capable  of  holding  70,000  volumes,  of 
which  37,000  are  now  on  the  shelves.  The  whole  furniture  of  the  Library 
is  in  handsome  walnut  to  correspond.  The  floors  are  of  Minton  tile  set 
in  variegated  patterns.  The  walls  are  of  double  thickness  of  brick,  and 
the  windows  are  all  of  heavy  ground  glass,  set  in  cases  of  iron,  so  that 
the  building  is  perfectly  fire-proof.  In  addition  to  its  treasur}^  of  books, 
the  Librarj"  has  many  maps,  pictures,  portraits  of  prominent  men  in  the 
Church,  an  oil  painting  of  Col.  Sage,  the  donor,  and  a  marble  bust  of 
Dr.  Geo.  W.  Bethune. 

Note  45. 

JAMES   SUYDAM. 

By  Prof.  T.  S.  Doolittle,  D.D. 

The  name  of  James  Suydam,  already  highly  cherished,  is  destined  to 
become  one  of  the  most  familiar  and  revered  in  the  history  of  the  Prot- 
estant Reformed  (Dutch)  Church  in  America.  Though  not  a  man  of 
words  nor  heroic  deeds  he  yet  deserves  the  lofty  distinction  of  living  to 
illustrate  more  perfectly,  perhaps,  than  any  other  person  has  thus  far 
done,  in  his  denomination,  the  admirable  principle  of  Christian  steward- 
ship, both  in  his  deliberate  and  life-long  purpose,  and  in  his  habitual  as 
well   as   frequently  munificent   benefactions.     As   long   as  his  Church 


APPENDIX.  391 

abides  on  this  earth  she  will  perpetuate  his  memory,  not  only  in  the  en- 
dowment records  of  her  two  Colleges  and  her  Boards  of  benevolent 
agency,  but  especially  in  her  Theological  Professorship,  and  in  one  of 
her  spacious  Seminary  buildings,  both  of  which  deservedly  bear  his  own 
name. 

It  is  eminently  fitting,  therefore,  that  a  sketch  of  his  life  should  find  a 
place  in  this  Centennial  volume. 

James  Suydam,  born  March  23,  1798,  in  Newtown,  L.  I.,  was  the  son 
of  James  Suydam  and  Adrianna  Rappelyea.  His  ancestors  early  emi- 
grated from  Holland  to  found  a  home  under  the  inspiring  influences  of 
a  new  world.  A  severe  trial  attending  young  Suydam's  first  experience 
in  business  for  himself,  when  he  was  yet  under  twenty,  affords  an  illus- 
tration of  the  sterling  worth  of  his  native  character.  This  may  be  best 
presented  in  his  own  language,  uttered  in  the  freedom  of  intimate 
friendship : 

"My  father,"  he  said  susbtantially,  "  gave  me  a  small  capital  with 
which  to  begin  business.  At  the  end  of  the  first  year  it  became  evident 
that  my  business  was  going  to  end  in  failure,  and  if  continued  might  in- 
volve me  in  debts  which  could  not  be  fully  paid.  To  go  on  increasing 
my  liabilities  in  the  hope  of  hitting  upon  some  unexpected  turn  of  luck, 
and  thus  to  assume  the  risk  of  having  to  compromise  with  my  creditors 
was  to  me  simply  dreadful.  The  thought  of  paying  less  than  twenty 
shillings  in  the  pound  (the  English  monetary  system  then  prevailed) 
filled  me  with  such  uneasiness  that  I  was  only  too  glad  to  settle  up 
every  obligation,  though  it  wound  up  my  establishment  and  left  me  pen- 
niless. Over  this  reverse  I  felt,  of  course,  disappointed,  and  sad  ;  and, 
moreover,  was  sorely  tempted.  It  would  be,  easy,  I  said  to  myself,  to 
get  rich  by  being  less  conscientious  in  selling  goods,  or  by  taking  great- 
er chances,  regardless  of  the  welfare  of  others  in  the  event  of  disaster, 
or  by  being  dishonest  in  other  ways.  And,  on  the  contrary,  it  seems  al- 
most certain,  that  if  I  strive  to  be  honest,  I  mean  absolutely  honest  in 
every  respect,  I  must  sacrifice  my  ambition  to  become  a  successful  mer- 
chant, and  remain  poor  through  life.  What  shall  I  do  ?  Choose  wealth 
with  a  loss  of  rectitude,  though  none  may  know  it  but  myself,  or  poverty 
with  integrity  and  manhood?  This  question,  smarting,  as  I  was,  under 
the  loss  of  everything,  and  of  crushed  hopes,  pressed  itself  upon  me 
with  peculiar  and  vexatious  persistency. 

There  was  a  repetition  of  the  old  story  of  Hercules  at  the  two  paths- 
one  branching  to  the  left,  and  holding  out  the  seductive  charms  of  evih 
the  other  to  the  right,  and  having  nothing  to  oflfer  but  the  severe  and 
unattractive  virtues  of  goodness.  And  what  young  man  has  not  con- 
sciously or  unconsciously  stood  in  some  crisis  or  other  hesitating  before 
these  two  paths.  Happy,  indeed,  would  it  be  for  the  individuals  them- 
selves, and  for  the  interests  of  the  entire  commercial  community  if 
every  youth  would  choose  as  did  Mr.  Suydam.  "  I  decided,"  he  said, 
^'that  whatever  might  be  my  lot,  I  would  be  strictly  honest.     If  I  were 


393  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

to  remain  poor  I  should  have  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  no  man  could 
ever  say  that  I  ever  wronged  him  out  of  a  farthing." 

What  an  instance  this  of  self-restraint  practiced  out  of  a  delicate  yet 
stern  regard  for  the  interests  of  others.  If  all  our  merchants  and  bank- 
ers could  be  brought  deliberately  to  feel  the  wrong  of  hazarding  other 
people's  money  in  the  perilous  attempt  to  repair  their  own  misfortunes, 
the  community  would  not  be  so  sadly  shocked  as  it  now  frequently  is  by 
the  suspicious  failures  for  enormous  amounts  of  some  and  the  shameful 
defalcations  of  others.  Nor  was  young  Suydam  less  rigorous  with  him- 
self in  other  respects.  Believing  that  self-mastery  was  the  ideal  of  man- 
hood, he  actually  withdrew  from  a  boarding-house  where  a  superb 
table  invited  the  appetite  to  over-indulgence,  and  sought  another  where 
the  fare  would  be  more  homely  but  more  wholesome  ;  and  in  the  same 
spirit  he  abstained  totally  from  wines  and  tobacco.  Like  Paul  he  felt 
that  though  all  things  were  lawful  unto  him,  yet  he  would  not  bring 
himself  under  the  power  of  any. 

Mr.  Suydam  began  the  dry  goods  business  again,  however,  with 
Thomas  C.  Doremus  as  partner,  and  subsequently  the  firm  was  en- 
larged under  the  name  of  Doremus,  Suydams,  &  Nixon,  the  word 
"  Suydams  "  standing  for  the  two  brothers  James  and  Cornelius.  When 
26  years  old  James  married,  on  June  18,  1823,  Miss  Charlotte  A.  Heyer,. 
the  daughter  of  Cornelius  Heyer,  Esq.,  of  New  York  city.  This  gentle 
and  estimable  Christian  lady,  still  living  at  a  very  advanced  age,, 
became  a  true  help-meet  and  a  source  of  abounding  joy  to  the  young 
merchant.  Besides  throwing  the  charm  of  endless  cheerfulness,  of  a 
serene  and  self-controlled  disposition,  of  constant  womanly  affection 
and  unfaltering  piety  over  his  house,  she  always  welcomed  his  friends 
with  a  hospitality  as  winsome  as  it  was  cordial ;  and,  moreover,  entered 
with  heartiest  sympathy  and  encouragement  into  all  his  plans  for  the 
accomplishment  of  good  by  a  consecration  of  his  wealth  to  benevolent 
causes.  They  were  childless,  and  yet  not  deprived  of  the  gladsome 
society  of  the  young.  The  children  of  her  sister  Cornelia,  who  married 
her  husband's  brother  Cornelius,  formed  a  part  of  their  own  family,  or 
rather,  the  two  families  occupied  the  same  dwelling,  and  together  made 
one  united  and  happy  household.  And  Mr.  James  Suydam,  the  sur- 
vivor of  his  brother  by  many  years,  ever  treated  that  brother's  children 
as  if  they  had  been  his  own. 

An  instance  of  Mr.  Suydam's  conscientiousness  and  uprightness  has 
already  been  afforded.  Another  is  found  in  the  fact  that  at  his  suggestion 
his  firm  ceased  to  import  and  to  sell  green  cloth,  of  which  they  had  the 
monopoly  and  on  which  they  realized  large  profits,  because  it  was  used 
as  a  cover  for  billiard  tables,  and  they  felt  that  they  could  not,  as  Chris- 
tian men,  furnish  the  materials  for  building  up  gambling  saloons.  In- 
deed,it  was  Mr.  Suydam's  conscientiousness  which  finally  drove  him,  when 
in  the  prime  of  manhood,  entirely  out  of  active  business.  After  sixteen 
years  of  good  fortune,  mingled  with  some  vicissitudes  from  fire,  there. 


APPENDIX.  395 

came,  in  1837,  a  great  financial  crisis.  Many  of  the  oldest  and  best  known 
establishments  in  New  York  went  down.  Mr.  Suydam's  firm  was  thrown 
into  dire  distress,  for,  though  its  assets  were  sufficient — far  more  than 
sufficient — to  liquidate  every  claim,  yet  its  peril  consisted  in  the  possi- 
bility of  not  being  able  to  make  collections  from  customers  scattered 
through  the  States  in  time  to  avoid  suspension  and,  perhaps,  utter  fail- 
ure. During  an  interval  of  two  weeks,  Mr.  Suydam,  while  waiting  for 
remittances  in  response  to  urgent  letters  to  debtors,  scarcely  ate  or 
slept.  He  walked  the  floor  o'  nights  in  indescribable  suspense  and 
agony  of  mind  ;  and  at  the  end  of  those  "  two  awful  weeks,"  as  he  called 
them,  his  hair  had  been  turnfd  from  dark  brown  to  gray.  He  was  not 
troubled  at  the  prospect  of  having  the  accumulations  of  years  swept 
away  in  an  hour,  but  only  at  the  probable  calamity  of  being  obliged  to 
look  creditors  in  the  face  whom  he  could  not  pay.  Here  was  a  horror 
which  entered  this  honest  man's  soul  like  iron,  and  gave  him  in  fourteen 
days  the  silvered  crown  of  age  !  This  fear  of  debt  made  him  a  most 
cautious,  and  wise,  or,  as  rasher  persons  would  conclude,  a  foolishly  timid 
adviser  in  the  management  of  affairs.  Fortunately  the  remittances  came 
just  in  time  to  '  tide  the  firm  over  the  breakers '  and  enable  it  soon  there- 
after to  ride  into  high  prosperity.  But  Mr.  Suydam  had  resolved  never 
to  run  such  another  risk ;  and  so,  when  only  about  40  years  old,  and 
against  the  protest  of  his  partners,  he  retired  on  the  following  January 
from  mercantile  pursuits.  After  a  visit  to  Europe,  during  which  he  ob- 
tained a  new  idea  of  the  future  greatness  of  New  York,  he  returned  with 
the  distinct  purpose  of  investing  his  moderate  fortune  in  real  estate  in 
such  a  growing  city.  And  the  wisdom  of  his  foresight  was  amply  justi- 
fied by  an  immense  increase  in  the  value  of  his  investments  at  no  distant 
day.     Nor  was  this  all. 

He  became  a  director  in  various  organizations,  such  as  Banks,  Insur- 
ance Agencies,  and  Trust  Companies,  all  of  which  were  successful, 
and  yielded  a  generous  income. 

The  circumstances  of  his  conversion,  which  had  taken  place  some  time 
previously,  are  so  interesting  and  its  results  so  far-reaching  as  to  deserve 
a  detailed  narration  as  nearly  as  possible  in  the  language  given  by  him- 
self to  the  writer  : 

"I  set  out,"  he  said,  "with  the  desireof  amassing  property  to  the  value 
of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars.  With  this  amount,  in  case  of  my  being 
so  fortunate  as  to  obtain  it,  I  pledged  myself  to  be  satisfied.  Several 
years  passed  by,  when,  in  estimating  my  possessions  one  day,  I  was  hap- 
pily surprised  to  find  their  worth  somewhat  exceeded  this  sum.  The 
pledge,  which  had  been  quite  forgotten,  came  suddenly  and  forcibly 
back  to  my  mind.  It  troubled  me  considerably,  because  I  was  not  sat- 
isfied ;  I  wanted  more.  It  was,  however,  gotten  over  after  a  time  in 
this  way.  Ah  !  I  said  to  myself,  I  did  promise  myself  to  be  satisfied 
with  twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  but  then  I  was  a  single  man.  Now  I 
am   married.     My  wife   must    have  twenty-five   thousand   dollars,  too. 


S94  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

And  if  ever  I  get  this  much  for  each  of  us,  surely  I  shall  be  completely 
content.     I  will  not  wish  nor  labor  for  anything  more. 

Time  again  went  on,  causing  me,  as  is  the  case  with  so  many  others, 
to  lose  sight  of  the  good  resolution.  I  was  absorbed  in  money  making 
and  quite  successful.  My  dreams  began  to  reach  out  after  immense 
wealth.  And  in  taking  account  of  my  affairs  at  the  close  of  a  certain 
year  I  rejoiced  to  feel  that  I  was  worth  at  least  sixty  thousand  dollars. 
The  prospect  of  largely  and  rapidly  increasing  this.figure,  deemed  far  more 
•considerable  in  those  days  than  it  would  be  now,  was  flattering  in  the  high- 
est degree.  I  had  no  longer  any  doubt  of  becoming  one  of  the  wealthiest 
men  in  the  city  of  New  York.  My  ambition  was  inflamed  ;  my  desires 
boundless.  With  these  feelings,  and  my  heart  full  of  joy  at  the  happy 
news  of  prosperity  I  was  about  to  communicate  to  my  wife,  I  started 
for  home.  While  on  the  way,  however,  and  as  I  was  repeating  to  my- 
self the  words  '  sixty  thousand  dollars  I  *  the  pledges  made  many  years 
before,  came  rushing  upon  my  memory  with  broad  and  distressing 
power.  A  voice  seemed  to  say  to  me  in  audible  tones  :  '  You  promised 
to  be  satisfied  with  certain  gains.  You  have  got  them,  and  more  ;  and 
yet  you  are  more  ambitious,  more  greedy  than  ever.  God  has  given 
you  all  this  prosperity.  But  you  have  neither  thought  of  Him,  nor  given 
your  soul  in  gratitude  to  Him  ;  and  now  you  are  planning  for  greater 
things  without  reference  to  Him.  Thou  art  an  ungrateful,  a  wicked,  an 
unprofitable  servant.'  And  I  replied  to  the  voice,  '  Yes,  alas  !  I  have 
been  truly  unthankful,  and  now  am  miserable  enough.'  In  this  mood," 
he  continued,  "  I  reached  home.  How  different  was  the  greeting  my 
■wife  received  from  that  with  which  I  had  anticipated  meeting  her  !  I 
was  really  wretched.  The  thought  of  God's  exceeding  goodness  to  me 
continued  through  so  many  years,  and  of  my  own  ingratitude  and  im- 
penitence filled  me  with  sorrow  and  alarm.  The  awful  sentence  '  For 
what  shall  it  profit  a  man  if  he  shall  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his  own 
soul  ?  '  rang  in  my  ears.  For  a  week  I  struggled  in  vain  to  banish  such 
thoughts.  In  the  height  of  my  success  and  worldly  delight  I  was  strick- 
•en  down  with  a  sense  of  my  sins.  I  could  not  rest.  Finally,  falling 
upon  my  knees,  and  calling  upon  God  to  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner,  I 
found  the  peace  which  passeth  understanding.  Then,  in  the  light  of 
my  new  and  joyous  experience,  I  saw  clearly  why  God  had  blessed  my 
efforts  in  making  a  fortune.  It  was  that  I  might  use  it  for  His  glorj^  in 
advancing  the  interests  of  His  kingdom.  It  seemed  as  if  the  money 
were  not  mine  at  all,  but  His.  •  He  had  loaned  it  to  me :  I  was  only  His 
steward,  and  henceforth  it  was  to  be  my  duty  and  privilege  to  guard  it, 
and  bestow  its  increase,  not  upon  selfish  enjoyments,  but  upon  such 
charities  as  His  providence  should  indicate  to  be  wise  and  fruitful." 

He  united  at  once  with  the  Collegiate  Middle  Dutch  Church  in  Nassau 
street,  and  began  to  adjust  all  his  thoughts  and  plans  in  accordance 
with  this  grand  idea  of  Christian  Stewardship,  which  had  now  taken  com- 
plete possession  of  his  soul.     Though  a  liberal  giver  before,  his  contri- 


APPENDIX.  395 

butions  became  multiplied  many  fold,  and  in  many  directions.  Curbing 
all  desire  to  amass  riches  for  their  own  sake,  he  deliberately  refused  to 
embrace  opportunities  for  making  the  most  tempting  investments — in- 
vestments which,  as  events  proved,  would  have  more  than  quadrupled 
his  final  fortune — lest  his  income  might  become  capitalized,  and  thus  be 
withdrawn  from  sacred  purposes.  Nay,  with  much  inconvenience  to 
himself  and  family,  he  changed  his  entire  style  of  living,  so  as  to  reduce 
his  expenses,  and  thereby  enlarge  the  list  of  his  philanthropic  gifts. 
Having  erected  a  large  and  imposing  edifice  on  the  corner  of  Fourth 
Avenue  and  Thirty-Eighth  Street,  for  his  home,  he  found  when  fairly 
settled  in  it  that  his  conscience — or  perhaps  better,  his  love  of  doing  good 
— would  not  allow  him  to  remain  there.  The  cost  of  maintaining  such 
an  establishment  was  too  great  to  harmonize  with  his  ever  present  idea 
of  Christian  Stewardship  ;  and  so  he  removed  from  it,  in  order  that  by 
the  increased  income  secured  from  its  rent  and  subsequent  sale,  he 
might  show  his  allegiance  to  that  Master  who  had  said,  ''Whoso  taketh 
not  up  his  cross  and  followeth  not  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me."  Acting  on 
the  same  principle  of  self-denial,  he  would  not  imitate  the  fashion  prev- 
alent among  the  wealthy  classes,  of  keeping  a  pair  of  fine  horses  and 
carriages ;  but  for  many  years  he  continued  to  ride,  notwithstanding  the 
friendly  protests  of  some,  after  a  single  horse,  kept,  it  need  hardly  be 
added,  not  for  display,  but  solely  for  use.  Let  it  not  be  wrongly  in- 
ferred, however,  that  he  was  unmindful  of  the  claims  of  his  family.  He 
never  failed  as  a  husband  to  gratify  any  wish  of  Mrs.  Suydam.  On  the 
contrary,  he  showed  his  devotion  by  anticipating,  as  far  as  possible,  her 
every  desire  ;  and  she  in  turn  cordially  approved  of  his  purposes  and 
schemes  to  enlarge  his  benevolent  operations. 

Not  only,  however,  did  Mr.  Suydam  crucify  pride  and  worldlinessona 
large  scale,  he  could  subject  himself  to  self-denial  in  minor  matters. 

Upon  my  representing  to  him  one  day  the  necessities  of  an  indigent 
student,  he  turned  from  his  desk,  exclaiming  with  unusual  vehemence: 
"  I  am  poor  now-a-days,  for  every  dollar  of  my  income  is  already  pledged 
for  a  year  in  advance  to  charitable  objects,  but  that  needy  fellow  must 
be  helped.  Let  me  see — how  can  I  do  it.?  Ah!  I  will  wear  this  over- 
coat, which  I  intended  to  lay  aside,  yet  this  winter.  Tell  him  he  shall 
have  a  hundred  dollars  as  soon  as  my  January  dividends  come  in."  And 
I  was  careful  to  notice  that  he  did  wear  the  old  coat  through  the  season, 
although  it  hardly  befitted  a  gentleman  of  his  social  and  financial  stand- 
ing. But  it  must  not  be  supposed  from  the  frank  statement  recorded 
above,  that  Mr.  Suydam  was  ostentatious  in  his  desire  to  practice  self- 
denial.  On  the  contrary,  I  have  to  say,  after  having  known  him 
intimately  for  thirteen  years,  and  having  been  the  medium  through 
which  he  dispensed  many  pecuniary  blessings,  that  he  shunned  rather 
than  courted  obser\'ation  and  praise.  He  would  say,  when  sending  aid 
to  some  one :  "  Keep  quiet,  if  you  please,  as  to  the  source  of  this." 
And  once,  to  be  more  definite,  he  handed  me  two  hundred  dollars  for  a 


396  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

country  pastor,  whose  salary  was  small  and  family  large,  with  the  re- 
quest that  I  should  simply  say,  "  It  came  from  a  friend.''  The  present 
proved  to  be  a  most  timely  and  providential  relief  to  the  poor  but  worthy 
minister,  who  happened  to  be  in  considerable  pecuniary  distress  at  the 
time.  It  drew  tears  of  gratitude  from  his  eyes,  which  circumstance,  as 
I  communicated  it  to  the  good  donor,  brought  responsive  tears  of  joy 
from  his  eyes  as  well,  "Surely,"  he  remarked,  "it  is  more  blessed  to  give 
than  to  receive." 

And  once  again  when  in  behalf  of  another,  I  made  a  pretty  large  de- 
mand with  an  apology  for  coming  on  such  errands  so  often,  he  answered, 
while  a  benignant  smile  irradiated  his  features  :  "  My  young  friend,  you 
do  not  seem  to  understand  that  not  till  a  man  gives  away  all  he  can  af- 
ford, and  a  little  more,  does  he  realize  the  luxury  of  denying  himself  for 
his  Savior's  sake.  You  never  need  to  be  afraid  to  ask  me  to  do  a  good 
thing." 

What  rapid  strides  the  Church  would  make  toward  the  Millenium,  if 
all  her  members  could  thus  be  divinely  taught  to  show  such  a  consecra- 
tion of  soul  and  substance  ! 

While  Mr.  Suydam's  gifts  extended  with  true  catholicity  of  sentiment 
to  many  fields  of  usefulness,  he  was  especially  interested  in  the  cause  of 
Christian  Education.  In  young  men  of  trained  intellects  and  sanctified 
hearts  he  recognized  a  fountain  of  power  and  purity,  ever  ready  to  send 
forth  streams  of  fertilizing  grace  through  the  garden  of  the  Lord.  For 
a  long  number  of  years  he  supported  annually  six  candidates  for  the 
ministry  who  were  pursuing  their  studies  in  Rutgers  College,  and  in. 
the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick,  and  this  was  in  addition 
to  large  contributions  regularly  to  the  Board  of  Education.  He  founded 
by  a  gift  of  $i,ooo,  two  Prizes  in  the  College — one  for  the  encourage- 
ment of  excellence  in  English  Composition,  and  the  other  for  attain- 
ments in  Natural  Science.  He  gave  another  $i,ooo  to  establish  a 
"  Periodical  Fund  "  for  the  annual  purchase  of  learned  Reviews  and 
Magazines,  to  be  used  by  the  Faculty  and  students  in  the  College  Li- 
brary. He  gave  $2,000,  the  interest  of  which  was  to  be  expended  in  dis- 
tributing books,  under  conditions,  to  certain  members  of  the  Senior 
Class  in  the  Seminary.  He  gave  $5,000  on  the  Centennial  of  Rutgers 
College  towards  its  further  endowment,  in  addition  to  thousands  previ- 
ously given  for  the  same  object,  or  the  purchase  of  apparatus,  etc.  He 
gave  $2,500  to  Hope  College,  and  afterwards  $10,000  additional.  He 
gave  to  the  Theological  Seminary  $2,500  for  its  Library;  $60,000  for  the 
endowment  of  the  Professorship  of  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology ;  and 
$9,000  toward  the  purchase  of  a  Professorial  residence  ;  $50,000  in  bonds, 
together  with  the  accrued  interest  thereon,  for  the  erection  of  a  Hall 
containing  a  Gymnasium,  Lecture-rooms  and  Chapel,  and  the  corner 
stone  of  which  he  laid  with  his  own  hand,  Sept.  28,  1871.  These  splen- 
did charities,  together  with  innumerable  smaller  ones  (many  of  which 
he  modestly  strove  to  conceal)  to  needy  pastors  and  friends,  besides  his 


APPENDIX.  397 

systematic  and  larpje  donations  to  various  benevolent  societies  he  made 
while  living,  rejoicing  to  be  as  far  as  circumstances  would  permit,  his 
own  executor. 

Nor  was  this  all.  In  his  will  he  ordered  the  following  princely  be- 
quests to  be  paid  of  out  of  his  estate  : 

$20,000  for  the  care  of  Suydam  Hall. 

$20,000  for  the  maintenance  and  improvement  of  the  Seminary  build- 
ings and  grounds. 

§20,000  for  the  erection  of  a  fifth  Professorial  residence. 

$25,000  to  the  American  Tract  Society. 

$25,000  to  the  Home  of  the  Friendless. 

$25,000  to  the  American  Bible  Society. 

And  finally,  after  providing  for  his  wife  and  remembering  handsomely 
various  relatives,  he  made  the  Bible  Society  and  the  Theological  Semi- 
nary his  joint  residuary  legatees.  It  is  estimated,  saying  nothing  of  his 
constant  bountiful  relief  ministered  to  individuals  whose  necessities 
came  to  his  knowledge,  and  nothing  of  his  systematic  contributions  an- 
nually to  all  kinds  of  causes,  that  his  extra  benefactions  to  the  institu- 
tions of  his  own  denomination  amounted  to  $300,000,  which  added  to 
those  in  other  directions,  reach  the  magnificent  figure  of  at  least  $400,- 
000.  Here  is  a  monument  more  enduring  than  brass,  more  beautiful  and 
inspiring  than   any   efiigy   ever  sculptured    out  of  crumbling   marble. 

Verily  : 

"  Only  the  deeds  of  the  just 

Smell  sweet  and  blossom  in  the  dust." 
Before  concluding  the  benevolent  side  of  Mr.  Suydam's  character  it 
may  be  remarked 

I  That  he  experienced  a  sacred  and  abounding  joy  in  doing  good. 
Never  can  I  forget  with  what  a  gleam  of  happiness  irradiating  his  eyes 
and  features  he  told  me  of  the  success  attending  the  eflort  to  endow  our 
Theological  Seminary,  and  particularly  of  the  fact,  that  forty  thousand 
dollars  had  been  secured  for  the  Library.  "  Now,"  he  cried  out  with  a 
gush  of  hilarity  as  pure  as  it  was  irrepressible  :  "  the  boys  over  there 
will  have  the  tools  with  which  they  may  become  thoroughly  furnished 
for  the  great  work  of  building  up  the  temple  of  the  Lord.  The  Church 
needs,  in  these  days  of  newspapers  and  printing-presses,  the  best  edu- 
cated and  ablest  men  in  the  land  for  her  ministers,  and  I  tell  you,  sir, 
I  am  glad  our  school  is  going  to  put  just  the  right  kind  of  tools  in  the 
hands  of  the  young  prophets." 

On  another  occasion  tears  of  holy  gratitude  filled  his  eyes  as  he 
learned,  seemingly  by  accident,  but  really  by  the  Divine  direction,  how 
providential  a  secret  donation  of  his  to  the  Home  of  the  Friendless  had 
proven,  in  enabling  the  managers  to  take  in  some  orphans  which  they 
were  on  the  pomtof  refusing  on  account  of  a  lack  of  means.  Next  to 
his  profound  joy  and  thankfulness  for  the  redemption  of  a  Savior's 
love,  he  was  joyful  and  thankful  that  God  had  put  it  within  his  power. 


398  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

and  had  at  the  same  time  inspired  him  with  the  disposition  to  dispense 
blessings  to  others. 

2.  Mr.  Suydam,  because  he  found  positive  delight  in  well-doing,  was 
always  ready  to  act  in  the  right  way.  Instead  of  being  fertile  in  excuses 
for  parsimony,  he,  on  the  other  hand,  welcomed  the  opportunity  to  be- 
stow money  upon  worthy  objects.  The  writer  happened  one  day  to 
enter  his  office  just  as  a  gentleman  was  saying,  "I  have  a  project  for 
taking  care  of  some  needy  children  which  will  require  about  six  hun- 
dred dollars,  and  sometime  when  you  are  ready  to  act,  I  would  be 
pleased  to  lay  it  before  you."  Mr.  Suydam  at  once  and  emphatically 
replied  :  "  I  am  ready,  my  dear  sir,  to  act  now.  There  can  be  no  better 
time  for  commencing  a  good  work  than  to-day."  What  a  lesson  this 
for  all  men  of  wealth.  It  ought  to  be  their  privilege  to  regard  an  agent 
of  Christ's  work  appealing  to  their  liberality,  never  as  a  bore  or  semi- 
nuisance,  or  kind  of  occult  enemy  under  the  guise  of  religion,  but  as  a 
friend  and  co-worker  with  God. 

3.  Mr.  Suydam  was  not  an  unintelligent  and  undiscriminating  giver. 
He  was  good,  but  not  goody.  Shrewdness  and  cautious  sagacity  marked 
his  course,  impelling  him  to  seek  earnestly  how  he  might  accomplish 
the  most  with  the  means  at  hand.  Thus,  because  he  regarded  the  use  of 
tobacco  as  a  filthy,  extravagant,  and  health-injuring  habit,  unbecoming 
especially  to  a  Christian  minister  and  exemplar  of  his  flock,  he  coupled 
with  his  annual  gift  of  books  to  the  theological  students,  a  pledge  of 
total  abstinence  from  the  vile  narcotic.  "I  will  try,"  he  said,  "to  kill 
two  birds  with  one  stone,  for  while  the  books  will  give  knowledge  to  the 
brains  of  the  boys,  the  pledge  will  save  their  bodies  from  a  disgusting 
and  expensive  poison."  And  his  wisdom  is  justified  by  the  fact  that  in 
every  class,  from  six  to  ten  young  men  have  ever  since  1868  been  induced 
to  sign  a  written  agreement  to  quit  for  ever  the  tobacco  habit  if  formed, 
or  never  to  form  it,  if  they  are  innocent  of  it.  And  sometimes,  lest  he 
might  encourage  needy  persons  to  rely  upon  the  help  of  others  rather 
than  upon  their  own  efforts,  he  would  make  them  a  present  under  the 
guise  of  a  loan,  taking  a  note  therefor,  and  returning  it  gratis  when  it 
was  evident  that  they  were  duly  industrious  and  economical.  The  same 
spirit  of  wise  adaptation  ran  through  all  his  methods  of  reaching  men  with 
regenerative  influences.  Though  he  published  2,000  copies  of  Willison's 
Catechism  for  gratuitous  distribution,  and  almost  always  carried  instruc- 
tive tracts  in  his  pockets  to  sow  by  the  way,  yet  he  carefully  watched 
his  opportunity  to  hand  out  these  monitors  of  good,  not  in  an  offensive 
manner,  but  in  some  chosen  moment,  and  with  a  genial  word  or  two  that 
would  win  their  hearty  acceptance  and  insure  their  perusal. 

Of  Mr.  Suydam  in  general  it  may  be  said  that  his  business  habits  were 
punctilious,  exact  and  exacting,  while  his  judgment  was  clear  and  ex- 
ceptionally sound.  Naturally  the  services  of  such  a  competent  and  safe 
adviser  were  in  much  demand.  He  was  one  of  the  efficient  members  of 
the  committee  that  built  the  Lafayette  Place  Church,  and  of  the  one 


APPENDIX.  390 

which  erected  the  great  Bible  House  ;  he  was  Chairman  of  the  Gen. 
Synod's  Standing  Committee  on  Hertzog  Hall,  and  was  director  in  sev- 
eral large  financial  institutions;  and  in  all  these  positions  he  displayed 
the  punctuality,  push  and  foresight  of  a  thorough -going  business  man. 

He  was  unfeignedly  pious  and  humble  as  a  rule.  It  would  be  both 
fulsome  and  false  to  claim  that  he  was  perfect.  In  some  points,  indeed, 
he  was  quite  human.  Being  keenly  sensitive  to  criticism  and  impatient 
of  opposition,  it  was  hard  for  him  to  forgive  any  one  who  crossed  his  path. 
He  honestlv  strove,  however,  to  be  right  and  to  do  right;  and  never  was 
there  a  believer  less  prone  to  rely  on  self-righteous  works,  or  more 
meekly,  sincerely  and  absolutely  trustful  of  his  Redeemer's  atoning 
merits  for  salvation.  Simplicity  was  a  conspicuous  feature  of  his  char- 
acter, his  conversation  and  open,  frank  countenance.  Tall  in  stature, 
finely  proportioned  and  erect,  with  a  complexion  slightly  florid,  blue 
and  very  expressive  eyes,  a  noble  forehead,  crowned  by  rather  ample 
silver  hair,  and  with  the  habitual  presence  of  sweet  and  quiet  goodness 
beaming  from  his  face,  he  was  altogether  a  rare  and  winsome  specimen 
of  the  Christian  gentleman  as  he  walked  almost  irreproachably  among 
men. 

Given  to  hospitality  in  general,  he  especially  welcomed  to  his  draw- 
ing-room and  table  the  ambassador  of  Christ,  from  whose  "  sweet  con- 
verse," directed  in  divine  channels,  he  might  gather  something  "sweeter 
to  his  soul  than  honey  and  the  honey-comb." 

His  native  qualities,  intensified  and  purified  as  they  were  by  sanctifying 
grace,  were  precisely  such  as  to  shed  the  sunlight  of  happiness  through 
the  domestic  and  social  circle.  He  was  so  gentle,  so  quick  and  tender 
in  his  sympathies,  so  regardful  of  the  feelings  of  others,  so  delicately 
playful,  unfeignedly  desirous  to  minister  gladness,  that  he  touched  the 
springs  of  one's  better  nature,  and  drew  irresistibly  forth  the  currents  of 
sweet  and  healthful  joy.  Seldom  has  there  been  a  household  where  the 
social  amenities,  nourished  as  they  were  by  spiritual  virtues,  opened 
into  fairer  flowers  or  exhaled  a  more  grateful  perfume.  'His  last  words, 
from  one  of  the  Psalms  :  "  He  is  all  my  salvation,  all  my  desire,"  were 
a  fitting  close  of  the  life  of  an  unobtrusive,  unselfish,  confiding  and 
triumphant  disciple  of  Jesus,  and  the  lesson  of  his  career  of  "  Christian 
Stewardship"  is:    "Go  THOU  and  do  likewise." 

GARDNER  A.  SAGE. 

By  Prof,  D.  D.  Demarest,  D.D. 

Gardner  A.  Sage  is  chiefly  known  to  the  Reformed  Church  at  large 
by  his  personal  services  and  munificent  gifts  and  bequests  to  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary  at  New  Brunswick.  These  have  been  noticed  in  the 
Historical  discourse.  He  was  born  in  New  York  City  May  3d,  1813,  and 
was  the  fifth  child  of  Harris  Sage  and  Sarah  Seymour,  who  had  re- 
moved from  Hartford,  Conn.,  to  New  York  in  the  early  part  of  the  pres- 


400  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

ent  century.  His  father  was  a  printer,  and  subsequently  a  book  and 
music  seller,  a  member  of  the  Collegiate  Church,  and  for  nearly  twenty- 
five  years  conductor  of  the  psalmody  in  one  of  the  congregations. 

Gardner,  after  attending  a  private  school  studied  surveying  with  Mr. 
George  Smith,  a  city  surveyor.  He  pursued  the  calling  of  a  surveyor  for 
many  years,  being  employed  on  the  public  works  of  the  city  and  doing 
good  service  in  the  laying  out  of  streets,  boulevards,  avenues  and  the 
Central  Park.  He  was  twice  married,  first  to  Joanna  Smith,  the 
daughter  of  his  instructor.  She  died  two  years  after  their  marriage. 
Seven  years  afterwards  he  married  Irene  Frances  Carman,  daughter  of 
Richard  F.  Carman,  of  Carmansville,  who  bore  him  two  sons,  Gardner 
and  Richard,  the  latter  of  whom  died  before  his  father,  and  the  former 
is  still  living  in  the  city  of  New  York.  His  wife  died  in  1868,  since  which 
he  remained  a  widower  to  the  end  of  his  life. 

Mr.  Sage  did  not  make  a  public  profession  of  his  faith  until  after  he 
was  50  years  of  age,  when  he  was  received  into  the  Communion  of  the 
Reformed  Dutch  Church  on  Washington  Square,  under  the  ministry  of 
Rev.  Dr.  Mancius  S.  Hutton.  He  became  a  devoted  and  life-long  friend  of 
his  pastor,  and  his  acts  of  kindness  to  him  ceased  only  with  the  death 
of  Dr.  H.  He  continued  with  that  Church  until  the  resignation  of  the 
pastor,  and  was  one  of  the  few  who  yearly  met  large  deficiencies  of  in- 
come, when  unavoidable  because  of  the  removal  of  the  Church-going 
people  from  that  neighborhood,  until,  we  believe,  he  was  the  only  one 
remaining  of  that  faithful  little  company.  Then  the  Church  property 
was  disposed  of,  and  Mr.  S.,  having  seen  to  it  that  the  pastor  whom  he 
so  dearly  loved,  was  liberally  provided  for  in  his  declining  years,  united 
himself  with  the  Collegiate  Church,  in  which  he  was  made  an  Elder. 

Mr.  Sage,  having  entered  the  Communion  of  the  Church  so  late  in 
life,  could  not  be  as  efficient  in  various  forms  of  Christian  work  as  he 
might  have  been  if  he  had  taken  that  step  earlier.  But  he  was  by  no 
means  useless.  He  took  great  interest  in  the  Sunday  School,  and  was 
at  one  time  its  superintendent.  He  was  ever  ready  to  help  a  good  work 
with  his  money.  He  contributed  regularly  and  liberally  to  the  various 
Boards  of  the  Church,  and  to  other  organizations  for  religious  and  ben- 
evolent purposes.  What  he  did  was  done  quietly,  and  without  ostenta- 
tion, and  public  attention  was  not  called  to  his  benefactions,  until  by 
the  blessing  of  God  on  Dr.  Cornell's  agency,  he  became  interested  in 
the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick.  He  then  saw  a  field  opened 
before  him  in  which  he  might  do  good  service  for  the  Master  and  His 
Church,  and  a  place  where  he  might  put  his  money  with  a  good  hope 
that  it  would  yield  a  noble  revenue  for  many  generations  to  come. 
From  that  day  he  had  only  one  purpose  in  life,  and  to  the  efficient  car- 
rying out  of  it  he  devoted  himself  with  remarkable  zeal  and  persistent 
courage,  facing  and  overcoming  all  difficulties  unto  the  end. 

Mr.  S.  was  of  medium  size,  sharp  features,  scrupulously  neat  in  his  ap- 
pearance, and  a  true  gentleman  in  all  his  intercourse  with  others.     It 


APPENDIX.  401 

was  frequently  remarked  by  those  who  were  associated  with  him  in  the 
Stand  inji  Committee  on  Property,  that  while  you  would  do  well  not  to 
be  very  sanguine  in  your  expectations  of  convincing  him  by  your  argu- 
ments on  any  question,  yet  you  need  not  hesitate  to  present  them  from 
fear  of  a  rough  answer  on  his  part.  He  always  listened  attentively  and 
answered  respectfully.  He  doubtless  preferred  to  be  himself  the  author 
of  any  plan  that  was  to  be  carried  into  practical  efTect.  Sometimes  he 
would  dissent  from  some  proposed  measure,  and  secure  its  withdrawal, 
which  afterwards  on  reflection  commended  itself  favorably  to  him.  At  the 
next  meeting  he  would,  to  the  quiet  amusement  of  his  associates,  bring  it 
forward,  slightly  modified  perhaps,  as  a  new  thing  which  he  had  concocted 
duringthe  interval.   It  need  not  be  said  that  no  one  called  to  mmd  the  past. 

Mr.  S.  had  a  profound  respect  for  law,  order  and  authority.  Perhaps 
he  was  not  sufficiently  ready  to  consider  the  peculiar  aspirations  of  our 
American  young  men  after  a  license  that  brooks  no  restraint,  and  that 
perfect  state  on  earth  which  consists  in  every  one's  being  a  law  unto 
himself.  But  it  must  be  said  that  he  was  just  as  respectful  to  authority 
when  exercised  over  him,  as  when  exercised  by  him.  It  was  convenient 
lor  him  to  lodge  on  a  certain  night  in  Peter  Hertzog  Hall.  While  en- 
gaged at  his  table  in  looking  over  some  accounts,  he  suddenly  found 
himself  in  total  darkness,  and  was  compelled  to  make  his  preparations 
for  the  night  as  well  as  he  could  under  the  circumstances,  and  to  grope 
his  way  to  bed.  The  hour  of  eleven  had  arrived,  and  on  the  moment 
the  gas  was  turned  off,  and  the  lights  in  all  the  rooms  were  extinguished 
according  to  regulation.  He  pleasantly  reported  his  tribulation  in  the 
morning,  and  joked  with  the  boys  about  it,  who  enjoyed  it  immensely. 
He  was  evidently  pleased  with  the  decisive  proof  that  had  been  afforded 
him  of  the  trustworthiness  of  the  authorities  in  the  Hall. 

Mr.  S.  was  an  extremely  cautious  man,  and  made  haste  slowly.  His 
slowness  was  at  times  a  serious  trial  to  those  who  acted  with  him.  He 
would  take  time  to  come  to  a  decision,  and  then  take  a  little  more  be- 
fore he  would  act.  Yet  he  was  often  glad  when  others  did  the  things 
about  which  he  hesitated,  and  reported  them  as  done.  His  plans  about 
the  various  endowment  funds  established  by  him  for  the  Hall,  the 
Librar}-,  were  ver)'  comprehensive,  and  the  result  of  much  consideration, 
but  that  consideration  had  taken  in  every  detail.  He  was  a  master  in 
details,  mag>tus  in  minimis.  But  is  it  not  a  grand  thing  to  find  large 
and  comprehensive  views  combined  with  a  taste  for  details,  and  an  apt- 
ness to  consider  them.  He  narrowly  scrutinized  every  figure  in  every 
little  bill  that  was  presented  to  him  as  Treasurer,  and  did  not  suffer  the 
mistake  of  a  cent  in  addition  or  subtraction  to  pass  without  detection 
and  correction.  He  would  have  spent  a  dollar  out  of  his  own  pocket  in 
postage,  to  obtain  a  corrected  bill,  rather  than  have  paid  a  man  a  cent 
more  than  his  due.  He  would  not  commit  this  kind  of  work  to  others, 
not  because  he  could  not  trust  them,  but  because  he  took  delight  in 
doing  it  himself. 
20 


402  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

The  work  that  he  performed  as  Treasurer  of  the  Committee,  and  also 
as  Treasurer  of  the  General  Synod,  which  office  he  held  for  three  years, 
was  marvelous,  considering  his  bodily  infirmities  and  especially  the  state 
of  his  eyes,  which  compelled  him  for  months  to  spend  most  of  his  time 
in  a  dark  room.  His  poor  eyes  working  in  the  darkness  often  seemed 
able  to  detect  what  escaped  the  sound  ones  of  others  who  were  favored 
with  the  light. 

He  was  a  man  of  great  power  of  will,  and  this,  doubtless,  tended  to 
the  prolongation  of  his  life.  His  integrity  has  never  been  impeached. 
If  he  would  not  pay  a  man  a  cent  more  than  his  due  on  his  bill,  neither 
would  he  withold  a  cent  that  was  due.  With  all  his  strictness  and 
severity,  he  was  no  stranger  to  the  law  of  kindness. 

We  close  this  sketch  with  a  quotation  from  the  Commemorative  dis- 
course delivered  by  his  pastor.  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  Ormiston  :  "  My  own  per- 
sonal acquaintance  with  him  began  not  more  than  five  or  six  years  ago. 
During  the  most  of  that  time  he  was  greatly  afiiicted,  and  at  times 
suffered  most  severely.  My  intercouse  with  him  was  frequent  and  de- 
lightful. Amidst  pain  and  darkness,  he  never  uttered  a  murmuring  com- 
plaint. He  patiently  endured  much  physical  pain  and  mental  privation, 
as  he  was  unable  to  relieve  the  tedium  of  the  sick  room  by  reading.  It 
was  with  great  difficulty  and  no  little  pain  that  he  was  able  to  use  his 
eyes  at  all.  He  used  all  means  which  wealth  could  procure,  and  the  best 
medical  skill  could  suggest,  to  effect  his  recovery.  Sometimes  he  was 
cheered  b}^  a  brief  period  of  partial  restoration,  but  the  relief  was  tem- 
porary, and  he  was  again  and  again  disappointed.  He  anticipated  his 
end,  and  calmly  and  peacefully  awaited  it.  His  faith  was  strong  and 
steadfast,  but  his  experience  was  not  joyous.  Never  demonstrative  in 
the  expression  of  any  affection  or  emotion,  he  was  cautious,  even  to  re- 
serve, in  speaking  of  his  religious  feelings,  yet  he  again  and  again  ex- 
pressed his  confidence  in  his  Savior,  and  his  assured  hope  of  everlast- 
ing life  through  Him. 

By  the  advice  of  his  physicians  and  friends,  he  went  South,  to 
Virginia,  and  spent  some  time  at  the  White  Sulphur  Springs.  At  first 
he  seemed  to  derive  much  benefit  from  the  waters,  and  the  change  of 
climate,  but  all  remedial  means  were  vain,  his  course  was  finished,  and 
his  work  was  done.  He  died  there  on  the  22d  day  of  August,  1882,  in 
the  seventieth  year  of  his  age.  His  endurmg  memorial  is  with  us  in  the 
work  he  has  done  for  the  church  ;  and  his  example  is  a  legacy  to  all." 

77/1?  removal  of  the  good — a  discourse  by  Rev.  Dr.  Ormiston. 

Some  Prominent  Works  in  the  Gardner  A.  Sage  Library. 

Bibliotheca  Classica  Latina.     1 50  vols. 

Patrologiae  Cursus  Completus,  Gk.  et  Lat.,  Ed.  Migne.     382  vols. 

Acta  Sanctorum.     70  folios. 

Diderot,  Encycloptdie,  with  plates.     Original  edition.     28  folios. 


APPENDIX.  408 

Muratorius,  Rerum  Italicarum  Scriptores.     25  folios. 

Codex  Alcxandrinu.s,  Autotype  copy,  exact  fac-simile.     4  folios. 

Labbeus  et  Cossartius.  Sacrorum  Conciliorum  Collectio.     31  folios. 

Corpus  Inscriptionuni  Latinarum.     15  folios  with  plates. 

Garrucci,  Storia  della  Arte  Cristiana.     6  folios,  illustrated. 

Biblia  Sacra  Polyglotta    ed.  Waltonus.    6  folios. 

Biblia  Sacra  Polyglotta  ("The  Paris  Polyglot")     10  folios. 

Lepsius,  Denkmaler  aus  Egypten  und  Ethiopen.     12  eleph.  folios. 

Audubon's  Birds  of  America  (original  edition).     4  eleph.  folios. 

Voltaire,  Oeuvres  Completes.     72  vols. 

Visconte,  Iconographie  Grecque  Del  Romaine.     7  vols.,  with  plates. 

Gavard,  Galeries  Historiques  de  Versailles.     15  folios. 

Theologia;  Cursus  Completus.     28  vols. 

English  Men  of  Letters.     20  vols. 

British  Poets  (Little,  Brown  &  Co.).     150  vols. 

Early  English  Text  Society  Publications.    68  vols. 

Mionnet,  Medailles  Antiques  Grecques  et  Romaines.     16  vols. 

Place,  Ninive  et  L'Assyria.     3  eleph.  tols. 

Babylonian  Talmud.     30  vols. 

Sacred  Books  of  the  East.     16  vols. 

Scripturae  Sacrae  Cursus  Completus.     28  vols. 

Ugolinus,  Thesaurus  Antiq.  Sac.     34  folios. 

Alberti  Magni  Opera  Omnia.     21  folios. 

D'Arnauld  Oeuvres.    43  vols. 

Bonaventurae  Opera.     12  vols. 

Cujacius,  Opera  Omnia.     13  folios. 

Condorcet  Oeuvres.     12  vols. 

De  Rossi  Roma  Sotterranea  Cristiana.     4  folios. 

S'Ephraem  Syri.     Opera  Omnia.     6  folios. 

Gronovii  Thesaurus  Graecorum  Antiquitatum.     12  folios. 

Gallandii  Bib.  Veterum  Patrum  Gk.  et  Lat.     14  folios. 

Harduini  Conciliorum.     12  folios. 

Relations  des  Jesuites.     6  vols. 

Montfaugon.  Antiquity  Explained.     5  folios. 

Stuart  and  Revett's  Antiquities  of  Athens.     5  folios. 

Botta,  Monument  de  Ninive.     5  eleph.  folios. 

Meursi  Opera  Omnia,     1 1  folios. 

Moreri,  Dictionaire  Historique.     10  folios. 

Ouken's  Algemeine  Weltgeschichte.     16  vols. 

Magnum  Bullarium  Romanum.     19  vols. 

Rousseau,  Oeuvres  Completes.     27  vols. 

Stephani  Thesaurus  Graecae  Linguae.     8  folios. 

Brugsch,  Hieroglyph isch-Demotisches  Worterbuch.     7  vols. 

Zoroastre,  Vendidad  Sade.     folio. 

Assemani,  Bibliotheca  Orientalis.     4  folios. 

Handelingen  der  Hervormde  Synod.     71  vols. 


404  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

Corpus  Scriptorum  Historlse  Byzantinae.     50  vols. 

Goethe,  Werke.    36  vols. 

Schrockh's  Kirchen-geschichte.    45  vols. 


Note  46.    Page  139. 
History  of  Buildings  and  Endowments. 

The  student  who  came  to  New  Brunswick  forty-five  years  ago  found" 
only  one  building,  the  old  Queens  College  edifice,  jointly  used  for  reci- 
tations and  lectures  by  Rutgers  College  and  the  Theological  School. 
The  two  wings  of  the  same  building  were  at  the  same  time  occupied  as 
residences  by  two  of  the  Professors  of  Theology.  The  President's  house 
was  the  first  additional  building  erected,  when  Hon.  A.  B.  Hasbrouck 
became  President  in  1841,  and  the  second  was  Van  Nest  Hall,  built  in 
1845.  The  Observatory,  Geological  Hall,  and  Sophia  A.  Kirkpatrick 
Chapel  and  Library  were  built  in  later  times,  during  the  Presidency  of 
Rev.  Dr.  Campbell. 

The  following  are  the  Buildings  that  have  been  provided  for  the 
Theological  Seminary : 

1.  Peter  Hertzog  Theological   Hall,   built  in   1855-6,  and  for 

which  funds  were  provided  by  Mrs.  Anna  Hertzog,  of 
Philadelphia  ......        $30,700 

2.  Three  Professorial  residences,  built  on  the  Seminary  grounds 

in  1865-7,  partly  with  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  the  Col- 
lege property,  and  partly  with  moneys  collected  from 
the  churches  ......         40,000 

3.  A  Professorial  residence,  corner  of  George  Street  and  Semi- 

nary Place,  given  to  the  General  Synod  by  Messrs.  Suy- 

dam  and  Sage,  in  1869  ....  18,000 

4.  James  Suydam  Hall,  given  by  Mr.  Suydam,  and  dedicated 

in  1873  .......         86,250 

5.-  Gardner  A.  Sage  Library,  given  by  Mr.  Sage,  and  dedicated 

in  1875  .......        65,000 

6.  A  Professorial  residence,  east  of  Suydam  Hall,  provided  for 

by  Mr,  Suydam  in  his  will,  and  built  1882-3  •  22,910 

Funds  for  Maintenance  of  Buildings  and  Grounds,  Care   of 
THE  Library,  and  Support  of  Peter  Hertzog  Hall. 

1.  Legacy  of  Mrs.  Anna  Hertzog,  for  keeping  Peter  Hertzog 

Theological  Hall  in  good  order  and  repair  .  .      $10,000 

2.  lames  Suydam  Legacy,  for  the  maintenance  and  support  of 

the  James  Suydam  Hall  ....  20,000 

3.  James  Suydam  Legacy,  for  repair  and  improvement  of  the 

buildmgs  and  grounds  .....      20,000 


APPENDIX,  405 

4,.  Endowment  Fund,  for  the  support  and   maintenance  of  the 

Gardner  A,  Sage  Library,  given  by  Gardner  A.  Sage        .       35,000 

5.  Endowment  Fund  for  the  purchase  of  books  for  the  Gard- 

ner A.  Sage  Library,  given  by  Gardner  A.  Sage  .  20,000 

6.  The  Gardner  A.  Sage  Endowment  for  the  maintenance  and 

support  of  the  Peter  Hertzog  Theological  Hall  .  25,000 

Permanent  Seminary  Fund  for  the  Support  of  Three  Profes- 
sorships, VIZ. : 

1.  Of  Historic  Theology   .  .  .  .  •        ) 

2.  Of  New  Testament  Exegesis  ...  v    S133.507   16 

3.  Of  Practical  Theology  .  ...        J 
Subscriptions  on  which  interest  is  received  .  .  5,000  00 
Permanent  Contingent  Fund       ....                    3.708  89 
Centennial  Seminary  Fund    ....  642  19 
James  Suydam    Professorship  of  Didactic  and   Polemic 

Theology     ......  60,000  00 

Gardner  A.  Sage  Professorship  of  Old  Testament  Lan- 
guages and  Exegesib  .  .  .  .  50,000  00 

Vedder  Lecture  Fund  (no  interest  at  present  paid)     .  10,000  00 

The  names  of  the  donors  to  the  Earlier  Endowments,  and  the  sums 
given  by  them,  have  been  printed  in  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Synod, 
of  the  years  1823,  1824,  1825,  1826,  1835  and  1867.  Among  the  more  re- 
cent liberal  givers  to  the  Permanent  Fund,  and  for  the  general  interests 
of  the  Seminary,  chiefly  in  connection  with  the  agency  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Cornell,  are  the  following  : 

Jacob  H.  Ten  Eyck,  by  bequest,  to  the  Seminary  .            .  .  $10,000 

Douw  D.  Williamson,  by  bequest,  to  the  Permanent  Fund     .  10,000 

Eugene  Van  Rensselaer,                                        "              "  .  .       5,000 

Peter  A.  H.  Jackson,                                              "              "         .  2,500 

Peter  R.  Warner.                                                    "              "  .  .       1,000 

Rev.  Dr.  John  Vanderveer,  for  repairs  and  improvements       .  1,000 

William  T.  Runk,                             "                         "              .  .       1,000 

William  Fuller,                                   "                          "        .             .  1,000 

Margaretta  Duryea,                          4.                         <<  1,000 

Henry  Ellsworth,                                "                          ''        .             .  i.ooo 

John  L.  Smith,                                    '•                          "              .  .       1,000 

Jane  C.  Van  Shaick,  undefined,    .....  1,000 

Samuel  B.  SchiefTelin,     "       .            .            .                        .  .       1,000 

Peter  Ballantine,               "             .....  2,500 

Rev.  John  S.  Lott,            "...                         .  .       1,000 

Rev.  Dr. ).  A.  H.Cornell,  "             ....  1,500 

Mrs.  Mary  Board,             <■      .  *io,ooo 

*  Mrs.  B.  was  released,  at  her  request,  from  the  payment  of  $5,800  of  this  amount. 
See  Minutes  of  Gen.  Synod,  vol.  13,  p.  610. 


406  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

John  Clark,  per  Rev.  John  De  Witt,  D.D.,  for  Permanent  Fund,        5,ooo> 
Peter  Cortelyou,  "  "  "  "       .       2,500 

Educational  Funds.* 

An  Educational  Society  was  organized  independently,  in  the  year  1828,. 
for  the  purpose  of  assisting  needy  students  in  their  preparation  for  the 
ministry.  In  the  last  century,  and  early  part  of  this,  a  fee  of  £\  5  had  been 
exacted  from  each  church  calling  and  settling  a  licentiate,  and  a  fee  of 
£$  generally  from  each  student,  on  receiving  his  license  to  preach. 
From  these  moneys  indigent  students  were  sometimes  assisted,  or  the 
professorial  fee  for  a  diploma  was  paid,  if  the  student  were  unable  to 
meet  the  expense  himself.  When  a  fund  for  the  support  of  the  profes- 
sorship began  to  be  raised,  it  was  also  stipulated  that  needy  students 
should  be  assisted  from  the  same. 

In  1812  it  was  ordered  that  collections  should  be  taken  up  in  the 
churches  for  this  object.  A  committee  was  also  appointed  at  the  same 
Synod  to  confer  with  the  trustees  of  Queens  College  concerning  the  pro- 
vision of  a  fund  to  meet  the  necessities  of  the  students,  while  the  Board 
of  Superintendents  were  permitted  to  draw  from  the  treasurer  of  the 
Synod  such  amounts  as  they  deemed  proper,  for  this  purpose.  The 
copyright  of  the  Psalm  and  Hymn  Book  was  also  secured  to  the  Synod 
for  the  benefit  of  students,  the  publishers  being  requested  to  pay  the 
Synod  six  cents  for  each  copy  sold.  But  in  five  years  this  only  amounted 
to  $240.  With  the  first  instalments  of  the  Van  Bunschooten  bequest, 
in  1814,  some  additional  help  was  obtained.  In  181 5.  Miss  Rebecca 
Knox,  of  Philadelphia  (a  member  of  Dr.  Brodhead's  church,)  left  $2,000 
for  the  support  of  students,  but  which  did  not  become  immediately 
available.  Cent  societies,  established  in  many  congregations,  also 
brought  in  means  to  some  extent.  From  all  these  sources,  the  Board  of 
Superintendents  distributed  $200  in  the  year  1814,  spending  in  addition 
$120  for  the  purchase  of  Hebrew  Bibles.  An  increasing  amount  was 
appropriated  each  year,  until  1819,  when  they  distributed  the  sum  of 
$1,315  ;  but  the  amount  distributed  did  not  reach  as  high  a  figure  as  this 
again  till  1828,  the  same  year  in  which  the  Educational  Society  was 
organized. 

On  the  seventh  day  of  May,  1828,  a  number  of  ministers  and  friends, 
met  in  the  lecture  room  of  the  Collegiate  Church,  in  the  City  of  New 
York,  to  consider  the  propriety  of  organizing  a  Board  of  Education. 
Dr.  Milledoler  was  called  to  the  chair,  who  opened  the  meeting  with 
prayer.  The  circular  which  called  the  meeting  showed  that,  at  a  free 
conversation  on  the  general  interest  of  the  church,  held  in  the  preced- 
ing November,  between  Rev.  Messrs.  Milledoler,  Knox,  Kuypers,  Brown- 
lee,  Ludlow,  P.  Labagh,  Schermerhorn,  and  De  Witt,  it  was  ascertained 
that  a  general  desire  existed  for  more  efficient  action  in  the  missionary 

*  From  Corwjn's  Manual,  3d  ed,,  1879,  PF«  647-650. 


APPENDIX.  407 

and  educational  interests  of  the  Church.  Hence  this  meeting  at  the 
call  of  the  committee  to  organize  a  Board  of  Education.  A  constitu- 
tion was  at  once  adopted  containing  twelve  articles,  stating  the  objects 
of  the  Board,  the  terms  of  annual  and  life  Memberships,  the  manner  of 
government  through  the  necessary  officers  and  an  executive  committee, 
and  the  manner  of  receiving  beneficiaries.  Any  donation  of  $1,500  or 
more,  for  the  founding  of  a  scholarship,  was  to  be  distinguished  by  the 
name  of  the  donor.  Col.  Henry  Rutgers  was  elected  first  president.  An 
address  was  at  once  prepared  by  a  committee,  consisting  of  Drs. 
Mathews,  Brownlee,  and  De  Witt,  and  distributed  to  the  churches.  The 
amount  granted  to  a  beneficiary  was  then  limited  to  $9°  pc  annum. 
They  designed  rather  to  aid  Zl  student  than  to  sustain  him  fully.  Auxil- 
iary societies  existed  in  certain  of  the  Classes,  and  in  single  churches. 
During  its  first  year  the  Board  and  its  auxiliaries  assisted  about  twenty 
students.  In  1831,  this  Education  Society,  which  had  been  organized  by 
individual,  not  ecclesiastical  action,  requested  the  General  Synod  to 
take  charge  of  it  as  its  own  Board.  This  was  proposed,  partly,  because 
donations  began  to  be  left  to  it,  while  it  was  not  formally  connected  with 
the  Synod,  and  partly  to  increase  still  further  the  confidence  of  the 
churches.  The  old  officers  were  reappomted  by  the  Synod  as  its  offi- 
cers, and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  remodel  it.  A  new  Board  was 
accordingly  constituted  in  1832,  and  the  funds  of  the  old  Board  turned 
over  to  the  care  of  the  General  Synod. 

The  organization  of  this  Board  was  the  beginning  of  a  new  life  for  the 
educational  interests  of  the  Church.  A  number  of  scholarships  were 
soon  founded  by  individuals.  Many  of  these  were  allowed  to  accumu- 
late for  a  time,  if  not  sufficient  at  first,  to  meet  the  due  appropriations 
to  the  students.  The  following  is  the  list  of  them,  in  their  present 
amounts,  with  the  j'ears  in  which  they  were  founded  : 

Scholarships  Held  by  the  Board  of  Direction  of  General 

Synod. 

1828.  Isaac  Heyer,         ......  $2,500 

1830.  Henrj'  Rutgers,         ......  1.700 

1830.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,            ....  1.700 

1830.  William  P.  Van  Rensselaer,             ....  1.700 

1834.  The  Cornell,  by  Peter  Stryker,  of  Flatbush,    .            .  2,350 

1834.  John  Wyckoff,  of  Neshanic,            ....  2,500 

1835.  Mrs.  Margaret  Burgess,  of  New  York,  1.700 
1837.  John  Clark,  of  New  York.  .....  3,oco 

1837.  James  Bogert,  Jr.,  of  New  York,           .                         .  2,000 

1837.  Isaac  L.  Kip,  by  his  sons,     .....         1,700 

1838.  Tannake  Turk,  by  Miss  Anna  Turk,  of  New  York,  in  the 

name  of  her  late  mother,     ...  -  i,70i> 

1839.  Richard  Cadmus,  of  Bergen  Point,  .  .  .         2  o>d 


408  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

1841.  Stryker  (by  accumulation  of  the  Cornell  Scholarship,)  2.000 

1844.  Miss  Maria  Freeborne,  of  Flatbush,           .            .            .  2,000 

1846.  Hornbeck  (two)    .             .            .            .            .            .  4,000 

1850.  James  Bogert,  Jr.,  of  New  York     ....  2,000 

1853.  Cor.  C.  Cuyler,  by  his  son  Theodore  Cuyler,  Esq.,  of  Phila- 

delphia,    .......      2.000 

1854.  Margaret  Ten  Eyck,  K     j^j  ^  ^^     T^„  Eyck,  I  '  ^'"^ 
1854.     Catalma  Ten  Eyck,   \    ^          ^                             i                  •      2,000 

1857.  Moses  Cowan,           ......  2,500 

i860.  Daniel  J.  Schanck,  of  Monmouth  County,  N.  J.,       .           .  3,000 

i860.  James  Suydam,       ......  10,000 

1863.  Theodore  Frelinghuysen  De   Witt,   by  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas 

De  Witt,  of  New  York,  .  .  .  .2,500 

1865.  Edward  Lansing  Pruyn,           .....  2,500 

1867.  Gerrit  Y.  Lansing,    ......  2,500 

1867.  Maria  LefTerts,  .            .            .     "       .            .            .            .  4.750 

1868.  Joshua  Hornbeck,   ......  2,000 

1868.  James  Suydam,            ......  2,000 

1870.  Janet  Hinchman,    ......  470 

1870.  Ann  James,        .......  2,350 

1873.  James  B.  Laing,      ......  7.500 

1875.  Louisa  Hasbrouck,       ......  5,000 

1878.  Jacob  Polhemus,    ......  2,500 

1878.  Abraham  Storms,         ......  2,000 

1880.  Gardner  A.  Sage,  Two  Scholarships,     .             .            .  5,000 

1883.  Bequest  of  Maria  Van  Antwerp,  for  James  Van  Antwerp 

Scholarship,  ......  2,522 

1883.     Jane  Brinkerhofif,          ......  5.000 

1883.     Samuel  Gates,  (moneys  received  in  installments),        .  1,746 

1883.     Nicholas  Lansing,         ......  600 

1883.     John  Kline,            ......  500 

1883.     Gain  on  sale  of  Bonds,            .....  468 

Scholarships  held  by  the  Board  of  Education. 

The  principal  necessity  for  the  incorporation  of  the  Board  arose  from 
the   fact  that,  becoming   familiarly  known   as   the  Board  of   Education, 
funds  were  devised  for  it  under  that  title.     Having  no  legal  existence 
as  such,  they  could  not  be  claimed.    After  some  losses  of  moneys  so  de- 
vised, for  future  security,  the  Board  was  incorporated  October  13,    1869. 
Under  this  arrangement  the  Board  now  holds  the  following  scholarships 
and  funds  : 
1865.     Charles  Dusenberry,  ......     $2,500 

1872.     Garret  Kowenhoven,         .....  3,000 

1872.  Miss  Mary  Le    Conte,  ......     3,000 

1873.  James  Peters  .....  3.325 


ArrEXDIX.  409 

1875.  John  V.  L.  Van   Doren,            .             .                        .            .  5,833 

1876.  Miss  Margaret  E.  Duryea.             .                         .             .  5,000 

1877.  fercmiah  Fuller,            ......  3,007 

1878.  Mrs.  Mary  D.  Shafer,        .....  3,000 

1878.  Mrs.  Mary  M.  Danser,            .            '            .            .             .  3,000 

1879.  Rev.  Abel  T.  Stewart,         .....  3,000 

1880.  Rev.    Joseph    Scudder,            ......  1,000 

1883.  Brush  Fund,           ....                          .  2,825 

1884.  Keziah  Lansing,             .             .                                       .             .  2,000 


'  §40,490 

These  scholarships,  together  with  the  Van  Bunschooten  and  Kno.x 
Funds,  and  more  recently  the  Smock  Fund,  (S500,  1859,)  the  Mandeville 
Fund,  (.t2,ooo,  1865,)  and  the  Voorhees  Fund.*  ($26,000,  1867,)  all  under 
the  care  of  the  Trustees  of  Rutgers  College,  make  a  capital  of  more  than 
$180,000,  for  the  education  of  students  for  the  ministry,  besides  the  an- 
nual Church  collections  and  private  gifts,  now  about  $10,000  per  annum. 
Thus  has  this  department  of  the  Church  grown  from  comparatively  in- 
significant beginnings.  In  1865  the  Synod  empowered  this  Board  to 
enlarge  its  sphere  of  operations,  and  co-operate  with  the  Classes  in  the 
establishment  of  academies  and  classical  schools  within  their  bounds. 
The  Van  Bunschooten  and  Knox  Funds  remain  under  the  care  of  the 
Trustees  of  Rutgers  College,  as  the  Synod  was  unincorporated  when 
these  funds  were  donated.  On  account  of  the  recently  increased  endow- 
ment of  this  College,  tuition  fees  are  not  now  exacted  of  beneficiaries. 
About  one-third  of  the  present  ministry  of  the  Church  are  indebted 
to  the  Board  of  Education  for  assistance,  while  preparing  for  the  min- 
istry. 

Rev.  J.  F.  Schermerhorn,  the  general  agent  of  all  the  benevolent  opera- 
tions of  the  Church,  was  active  in  collecting  funds  for  this  Board,  1830- 
32.  Rev.  A.  H.  Dumont  succeeded  him  for  a  single  year.  Contributions 
amounted  to  about  $3,000  per  annum,  at  this  time,  although  diminished 
in  1S32  by  the  epidemic.  For  the  next  decade  of  years  the  services  of  a 
special  secretary  were  dispensed  with,  classical  agents  being  employed 
to  represent  the  educational  interests  of  the  Church.  In  1845  Rev. 
Ransford  Wells  was  appointed  as  a  financial  secretary  to  take  the  gener- 
al superintendence  of  all  the  Boards.  He  occupied  this  position  for 
only  two  years.  Again,  for  more  than  half  a  score  of  years,  the  Board 
remained  without  a  Corresponding  Secretary,  but  its  small  receipts  (less 
than  91.700  in  1855)  compelled  them  to  seek  a  more  efficient  plan  of 
operations.  Rev.  J.  A.  H.  Cornell  was  accordingly  appointed  to  this 
office,  in  1855,  under  whose  energetic  efforts  this  Board  was  thoroughly 
revived.     In  1857,  the  Board  was  reorganized.     At  the  end   of  the   six 


*  It  seems  the  benefit  of  this  fund  is    limited  to  the  aiding  of  young  men,  who  are 
candidjites  for  the  ministry,  while  pursuing  their  studies  in  Rutgers  College. 


410  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

years  of  his  service  the  contributions  of  the  Churches  for  this  cause  had 
increased  nearly  six-fold.  Upon  his  resignation  from  ill-health,  in  1861, 
Rev.  John  L.  See,  D.D.,  was  appointed  as  his  successor,  who  continued 
to  serve  this  Board  until  1884.  In  1885,  Rev.  Giles  H.  Mandeville,  D.D., 
was  appointed  Secretary. 


Note  47.    Page  141. 
THE  VEDDER  LECTURESHIP. 

The    Present   Aspects  of    Modern    Infidelity,    Including    its 
Cause  and  Cure. 

the  vedder  gift. 

For  divers  good  considerations  moving  me  thereto,  and  especially  that 
I  may  in  some  degree  aid  in  upholding  the  great  and  cardinal  truths  of 
the  Christian  religion  in  opposition  to  the  popular  infidelity  of  the  times 
and  of  "  Science  falsely  so  called,"  I,  Nicholas  F.  Vedder,  of  Utica,  in  the 
State  of  New  York,  do  give,  transfer,  and  set  over  to  the  General  Synod 
of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  ten  bonds  of  the  denomination  of 
$1,000  each — known  as  equipment  bonds  of  the  Toledo  and  Wabash 
Railway  Company,  bearing  seven  per  cent,  interest,  semi-annually,  with 
coupon  attached,  and  being  of  the  value  of  ten  thousand  dollars  at 
par. 

This  gift  is  for  the  purpose  of  founding  and  sustaining  an  annual 
course  of  lectures  to  be  delivered  before  the  students  of  the  Theological 
Seminary,  of  New  Brunswick,  and  also  to  the  Students  of  Rutgers  Col- 
lege, of  New  Brunswick,  on  "  The  Present  Aspects  of  Modern  Infidelity, 
Including  its  Cause  and  Cure,"  and  this  gift  is  made  to  the  said  General 
Synod  upon  the  following  express  trusts,  and  subject  in  all  respects  to 
the  conditions  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

1.  That  the  General  Synod  shall  annually  and  every  year  after  this 
gift  takes  effect,  elect  by  ballot,  at  their  regular  annual  session,  a  lecturer 
for  the  year  ensuing  said  annual  session.  The  lecturer  shall  always,  at 
the  time  of  his  annual  election,  be  a  member  of  the  Reformed  Church  in 
America. 

2.  That  the  said  lecturer  shall  be  required  to  deliver  at  least  five  lec- 
tures on  the  general  theme  or  subject  hereinbefore  prescribed,  to  the 
students  of  the  two  Seminaries  or  Institutions  hereinbefore  mentioned, 
one  month  or  more,  as  may  be  found  most  practical  and  expedient,  be- 
fore the  graduation  of  the  Senior  class  in  each  of  said  Institutions. 

3.  That  after  having  completed  the  delivery  of  the  said  lectures,  and 
within  the  period  of  three  months  thereafter,  the  said  lecturer  shall  de- 
liver a  corrected  copy  of  his  lectures,  prepared  for  the  press,  to  the 
President  of  the  General  Synod  for  the  time  being,  who  shall  give  a 
receipt  therefor,  upon  the  presentation  of  which  to  the  custodian  of  the 


APPENDIX.  411 

fund  hereby  created,  the  person  receiving  the  same  shall  be  entitled  to 
receive  and  shall  be  paid  the  income  of  the  said  fund  for  the  then  cur- 
rent year;  but  in  no  year  shall  he  be  entitled  to  receive  more  than  the 
annual  sum  which  shall  be  realized  and  actually  obtained  from  the  said 
fund. 

4.  That  the  General  Synod,  after  the  manuscript  of  the  lectures  is  de- 
livered as  aforesaid,  shall  offer  the  same  to  the  Board  of  Publication  of 
the  Reformed  Church,  for  the  purpose  of  publication  by  said  Board  ; 
and  if  the  Board  accept  the  same,  such  lectures  shall  from  time  to  time 
be  published  by  said  Board.  And  if  the  profits  arising  therefrom  shall 
be  sufficient,  copies  thereof  shall  be  presented  to  each  student  in  both 
institutions,  who  was  present  at  the  delivery  thereof,  and  copies  shall 
likewise  be  placed  in  the  libraries  of  the  Seminary  and  of  the  College  ; 
and  any  surplus  of  profits  shall  be  paid  into  the  treasury  of  the  Board 
of  Publication.  If  the  Board  shall  decline  the  offer  to  publish  the  said 
lectures,  then  the  President  of  the  General  Synod  shall  offer  the  same 
to  any  publisher,  who  will  undertake  to  publish  the  same  and  furnish 
copies  as  hereinbefore  provided  for. 

The  above  are  fundamental  conditions  imposed  by  me  and  to  be 
strictly  fulfilled,  when  the  trust  hereby  created  shall  take  effect.  During 
my  life  I  desire  no  publicity  to  be  given  to  this  endowment;  but  after 
my  death,  it  is  my  request  that  the  same  be  made  known  and  designated 
as  "  The  Vedder  Lecture  on  Modern  Infidelity." 

The  securities  I  have  above  named  I  have  placed  in  the  hands  of  Rev, 
Isaac  S.  Hartley,  of  Utica,  to  be  by  him  retained  until  the  General  Synod, 
by  a  resolution  to  be  passed  and  entered  on  their  minutes,  have  accepted 
the  trust  hereby  created,  and  agree  to  its  conditions,  and  then  to  be  de- 
livered to  the  said  General  Synod,  or  their  Treasurer ;  and  I  enjoin  on 
the  Synod  to  hold  the  funds  until  the  same  shall  arrive  at  maturity,  and 
on  their  payment  (whenever  that  shall  take  place)  to  reinvest  the  capital 
in  permanent  securities  to  be  approved  by  the  Treasurer  of  General 
Synod,  and  held  as  a  perpetual  fund  to  secure  the  objects  herein  pro- 
vided for. 

In  witness  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal  this  13th  day 
of  January,  1873.  ^-  ^-  Vedder.    (L.  S.) 

In  presence  of  W.m.  J.  Bacon. 

The  Vedder  Lectureship. 

The  Committee  on  the  Vedder  Lectureship  read  the  following  report, 
which  was  adopted : 

REPORT   OF  THE   COMMITTEE. 

That  the  Synod   may  understand  the  terms  of  Mr.  Vedder's  bequest 


412  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

before  accepting  it,  your  committee  present  the  following  as  among  the 
fundamental  conditions  : 

1.  Synod  is  annually  to  select  a  lecturer  by  ballot,  and  at  their  regular 
session,  but  said  lecturer,  although  necessarily  a  member  of  the  Re- 
formed Church,  need  not  be  a  clerical  member. 

2.  The  lectures  after  delivery  are  to  be  placed  in  trust  in  the  hands  of 
the  President  of  the  General  Synod.  They  are  to  be  offered  for  publica- 
tion, first  to  the  Board  of  Publication  ;  and  if  by  them  declined,  the 
President  of  Synod  shall  offer  the  same  to  any  publisher,  who  will  un- 
dertake to  publish  them,  and  furnish  certain  copies.  Your  Committee 
notice  here  that  the  form  in  which  they  shall  be  published,  when  the 
President  of  Synod  shall  be  free  from  his  responsibility  in  getting  them 
published,  or  what  amount  of  pecuniary  obligation  may  fall  upon  the 
Synod  in  the  matter,  are  not  clearly  determined. 

Your  Committee  offer  the  following  resolutions,  covering  the  whole 
subject  of  the  bequest  and  its  terms  : 

1.  Resolved,  That  the  gift  of  Sio.ooo,  by  Nicholas  F.  Vedder,  of  Utica. 
to  found  a  Lectureship,  be  accepted  by  the  Synod  according  to  the 
terms  thereof,  and  the  same  entered  on  the  minutes,  and  that  in  memor- 
ial of  his  admirable  gift,  said  lectureship  shall  be  known  as  the  Vedder 
Lecture  on  Modern  Infidelity. 

2.  Resolved,  That  in  the  publication  of  the  lectures,  the  President  of 
General  Synod  shall  not  be  allowed  to  involve  the  Synod  in  any  pecun- 
iary expense. 

3.  Resolved,  That,  after  offering  them  to  such  leading  and  responsible 
publishers  as  may  be  within  his  reach,  if  they  decline  he  shall  deposit 
the  lectures  in  the  Library  of  the  Seminary  ;  but  in  either  case.  General 
Synod  shall  have  the  copyright  and  the  sole  right,  subject  to  the  condi- 
tions prescribed  in  the  gift. 

4.  Resolved,  that  in  the  selection  of  a  lecturer,  the  mode  observed 
shall  be  that  prescribed  in  the  Constitution  for  the  selection  of  a  pro- 
fessor, 

5.  Resolved,  That  if,  after  the  Synod  has  fulfilled  its  own  duty  in  elect- 
ing a  lecturer,  death  or  any  other  contingency  should  cause  the  course 
for  that  year  to  fail,  the  income  of  the  lectureship  shall  be  invested  and 
held  subject  to  the  trust,  to  be  used  in  case  of  failures  of  income  of  any 
year. 

6.  Resolved,  That  one  of  the  professors  of  the  Seminary,  alternating  in 
the  order  of  seniority,  the  President  of  Rutgers  College,  and  the  President 
of  the  existing  Synod,  shall  be  a  committee  each  year  to  select  the 
theme  of  the  lectures,  after  consultation  with  the  lecturer. 

7.  Resolved,  That  the  heartiest  acknowledgements  are  due  to  Rev. 
Isaac  S.  Hartley,  of  Utica,  whose  thoughtful  suggestions  originated  and 


APPENDIX.  4n 

shaped  the  plan  of  this  valuable  lectureship,  which  promises  to  arid  so 
much  to  the  theolof^ical  Hterature  of  the  Reformed  Church. 

A.  G.  Vermilve,  Chairman. 
A/i'/is.  Gcfi.  Syn.,   1873.,  pp.  736-9. 


SUDSEQUENT   AciloN    <)!•    TllE   SVNOD. 

1879- 
Resolved,  That  hereafter  the  nomination  for  the   V'edder  Lecturer  be 
made  on  the  morninj^  of  the  second  day  of  the  meeting  of  the  Synod, 
and  that  the  election  take  place  on  the  succeeding  day. — Mins.  Gen.  Syn., 

'879.  P-  379- 

1880. 

1.  The  method  of  electing  a  Vedder  Lecturer  shall  be  the  same  as 
that  prescribed  in  the  Constitution  (Article  IIL  Sec.  i;  for  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  Professor  of  Theology,  except 

First,  That  he  shall  be  cho.sen  by  a  vote  of  two-thirrls  of  the  members 
present,  and 

Secondly,  That  if  after  the  second  electing  ballot  there  be  no  election, 
the  choice  shall  be  made  from  the  two  having  the  highest  number  of 
votes. 

2.  A  nominating  ballot  shall  be  held  at  12  o'clock  on  the  second 
day  of  the  session,  and  the  Synod  shall  then  fix  an  hour  for  the  election, 
which  shall  take  place  on  the  succeeding  day. — Mins.  Gen.  Syn.,  1880,  p. 
560. 

NICHOLAS  F.  VEDDER. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Reformed  Church  of  Utica,  N.  Y.,  till  his 
death,  which  took  place  May  5th,  1873.  He  was  in  his  sixty-ninth  year. 
He  was  a  self-made  man.  In  early  life  he  engaged  in  mercantile  |)ur- 
suits,  and  was  very  successful  as  a  merchant  in  his  investments.  He  was 
of  frugal  habits  and  exceedingly  industrious,  and  it  was  only  by  a  spirit 
of  self-denial  that  he  could  accumulate  that  in  which  he  remembered 
the  Church.  There  were  but  few  men  more  devoted  to  the  interests  of 
the  city  and  state  in  which  he  resified.  He  was  a  high-toned  gentleman 
m  all  his  relations,  whether  as  a  friend,  or  merchant,  or  citizen,  and  he 
commanded  the  respect  of  all  who  knew  him.  He  was  very  marked  in 
his  Christian  character.  While  not  particularly  active  in  his  benevo- 
lence, yet  neither  was  he  indifferent,  for  he  ultimately  remembered 
many  different  institutions.  The  sick,  the  suffering  and  the  orphan 
were  not  forgotten  by  him.  His  name  will  be  long  held  in  grateful  re- 
membrance for  his  charities  by  many  yet  unborn." — Christian  Intrlli- 
gencer,   1873. 


414  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

Note  48. 

Professors   and  Lectors,  i  784-1 884. 

Rev.  JOHN  H.  LIVINGSTON,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Sacred  Theology 
at  New  York  or  Flatbush,  L.L,  1784-1810.     At  New  Brunswick,  1810-25. 

Rev.  HERMANUS  MEYER,  D.D.,  Instructor  in  Sacred  Languages 
at  Pompton  Plains,  N.  J.,  1784-91.  Lector  in  Theology  at  Pompton 
Plains,  N.  J.,  1786-91. 

Rev.  SOLOMON  FROELIGH,  D.D.,  *  Lector  in  Theology  at  Schraal- 
enberg,  N.J.,  1792-97.  Professor  of  Theology  at  Schraalenberg.  N.  J., 
1797-1822. 

Rev.  THEODORIC  (DIRCK)  ROMEYN.  D.D.,  Lector  in  Theology 
at  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  1792-97.  Professor  of  Theology  at  Schenectady, 
N.  Y.,  1797-1804. 

Rev.  JOHN  BASSETT,  D.D.,  *  Teacher  of  Hebrew  at  Albany  and 
Boght,  Schoharie  Co.,  N.  Y.,  1804-1812. 

Rev.  JEREMIAH  ROMEYN,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Hebrew  at  Linlithgo, 
Harlem,  Schoharie  and  Woodstock,  N.  Y.,  1804-18 18. 

Rev.  JOHN  M.  VAN  HARLINGEN,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Hebrew  and 
Ecclesiastical  History,  1812-13. 

Rev.  JOHN  SCHUREMAN,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History. 
Church  Government  and  Pastoral  Duties,  181 5-18. 

Rev.  JOHN  LUDLOW,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature  and 
Ecclesiastical  History,  1819-23. 

Rev.  JOHN  DE  WITT,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature  and 
Ecclesiastical  History,  1823-25.  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature, 
1825-31. 

Rev.  PHILIP  MILLEDOLER,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Didactic  and 
Polemic  Theology,  1825-41. 

Rev.  SELAH  S.  WOODHULL,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  His- 
tory, Church  Government  and  Pastoral  Theology,  1825-26. 

Rev.  JAMES  S.  CANNON,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History, 
Church  Government  and  Pastoral  Theology,  1826-52. 

Rev.  ALEXANDER  McCLELLAND,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Biblical 
Literature,  1832-51. 

Rev.  SAMUEL  A.  VAN  VRANKEN,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Didactic  and 
Polemic  Theology,  1841-61. 

Rev.  WILLIAM  H.  CAMPBELL,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Biblical  Litera- 
ture, 1851-63. 

Rev.  JOHN  LUDLOW,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Pastoral  Theology.  Ec- 
clesiastical History  and  Church  Government.  1852-57. 

Rev.  SAMUEL  M.  WOODBRIDGE,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Pastoral  Theo- 

*The  Particular  Synod  in  1799  appointed  Drs.  Froeligh,  Bassett  and  G.  A. 
Kuypers  Teachers  of  Hebrew,  but  this  action  was  unconstitutional  and  was  repudi- 
ated by  the  General  Synod  in  1804. 


APPENDIX.  415 

logy,  Ecclesiastical  History  and  Church  Government,  1857-65.  Professor 
of  Ecclesiastical  History  and  Church  Government,  1865- 

Rev.  JOSEPH  F.  BERG,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Didactic  and  Polemic 
Theology,  1861-71. 

Rev.  JOHN  DE  WITT,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature,  1863- 
18S4.  Professor  of  Hellenistic  Greek  and  New  Testament  Exegesis, 
1884- 

Rev.  DAVID  D.  DEMAREST,  D.D..  Professor  of  Pastoral  Theology 
and  Sacred  Rhetoric,  1865- 

Rev.  ABRAHAM  B.  VAN  ZANDT,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Didactic  and 
Polemic  Theolog)-,  1872-81. 

Rev.  WILLIAM  V.  V.  ^L'\BON,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Didactic  and 
Polemic  Theolog)-,  1881- 

Rev.  JOHN  G.  LANSING,  Professor  of  Old  Testament  Languages 
and  Exegesis,  1884- 

Temporary  Assistants. 

Rev.  PETER  STUDDIFORD,  Instructor  m  Hebrew,  1813-14. 

Rev.  JAMES  S.  CANNON,  Instructor  in  Ecclesiastical  History, 
Church  Government  and  Pastoral  Theology,  1818-19. 

Rev.  JOHN  S.  MABON,  Instructor  in  Hebrew  and  Greek,  1818-19. 

Rev.  ALEXANDER  McCLELLAND,  Instructor  in  Hebrew,  1831-32. 

Rev.  GEORGE  W.  BETHUNE,  D.D.,  Lecturer  on  Pulpit  Eloquence, 
1857-58. 

Rev.  Prof.  SAMUEL  M.  WOODBRIDGE,  D.D.,  Instructor  of  Didac- 
tic and  Polemic  Theology,  1871-72. 

Rev.  TALBOT  W.  CHAMBERS,  D.D.,  Assistant  Instructor  in  New 
Testament  Exegesis,  1883-84. 

Rev.  EDWARD  T.  CORWIN,  D.D.,  Assistant  Instructor  in  Hebrew 
and  Old  Testament  Exegesis,  1883-84. 

We  also  add  the  following: 

Professors  and   Lectors   in  the  Theological  Department  at 
Hope  College,   Holland,  Mich. 

Rev.  CORNELIUS  E.  CRISPELL,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Didactic  and 
Polemic  Theology,  1867-79. 

Rev.  CHARLES  SCOTT,  D.D.,  Lector  in  Church  Histor>%  1867-77. 

Rev.  THEODORIC  ROMEYN  BECK,  Lector  in  Biblical  Criticism 
and  Philology,  1867-77. 

Rev.  PETER  J.  OGGEL,  Lector  in  Pastoral  Theolog>'  and  Sacred 
Rhetoric,  1767-70. 

Rev.  PHILIP  PHELPS,  D.D.,  Lector  in  Exegetical  Theology,  1867-77. 

Rev.  NICHOLAS  M.  STEEPENS,  D.D..  Professor  of  Didactic  and 
Polemic  Theology,  1884- 


416  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


SKETCHES    OF   THE    PROFESSORS. 

REV.  JOHN  H.  LIVINGSTON,  D.D.,  S.  T.  P. 

[From  Corwin^s  Manual.'] 
From  the  beginning  of  his  course  he  was  a  distinguished  man  and  an 
honor  to  the  denomination  to  which  he  more  particularly  belonged.  His 
presence  was  always  and  in  all  places  impressive,  commanding,  and  dig- 
nified, and  his  dignity  had  nothing  affected  about  it.  It  was  not  any- 
thing extraneous,  but  an  essential  part  of  the  man,  of  his  mental  and 
bodily  structure.  He  must  have  been  dignified  as  a  child,  as  a  boy,  as  a 
young  man,  as  well  as  in  his  maturer  years.  He  was  tall  and  erect — 
erect  to  the  last  day  of  his  life.  His  step  was  deliberate  yet  elastic.  He 
wore  the  antiquated  costume,  of  which  an  ample  wig,  of  almost  snowy 
whiteness,  was  a  very  conspicuous  part.  He  carried  a  staff,  but  it  did 
not  seem  necessary  to  his  support,  for  his  step  was  firm,  steady,  but  it  was 
carried  simply  because  such  an  appendage  was  suitable  and  becoming  to 
one  of  his  years  and  position.  His  expression  of  countenance  was 
serene,  benevolent,  with  a  slight  dash  of  the  aristocratic  about  it — a  dash 
not  assumed,  but  natural  and  not  disagreeable,  for  every  one  that  knew 
him  seemed  to  admit  that  he  at  least  had  a  right  to  it.  As  a  preacher, 
he  stood  very  high,  and  it  was  regarded  as  a  great  privilege  to  have  an 
opportunity  to  hear  him.  His  preaching  was  in  every  respect  peculiar 
to  himself,  and  such  as  became  him  and  no  one  else.  He  loved  to 
descant  on  a  very  comprehensive  passage  of  Scripture,  and  sometimes 
an  unusually  extended  one.  He  dealt  much,  in  exposition,  in  what  is 
called  the  textuary  mode  of  handling  a  Scripture  passage  and  subject. 
But  the  abundance  of  material  did  not  seem  at  all  to  embarrass  or  en- 
cumber him.  He  had  a  great  skill  in  selecting  what  was  best  suited  to 
his  purpose  and  then  in  arrangmg  it,  and  there  was  a  surprising  unity 
in  his  discourses,  however  many  parts  they  might  embrace.  That  which 
would  in  discourses  formed  by  some  men  be  a  number  of  dissertations 
but  slightly  connected,  was  by  him  so  skillfully  managed  as  to  form  one 
whole,  making  one  impression  on  the  mind — a  distinct,  full,  and  inefface- 
able one.  His  style  was  a  model  of  clearness,  plainness,  liveliness,  di- 
rectness. He  practiced  the  colloquial — the  dignified  colloquial,  not  the 
affected  and  puerile — and  advised  his  students  to  cultivate  it.  His  man- 
ner in  the  pulpit  was  his  own  especially.  He  had  great  variety  in  posture, 
tone,  expression  of  countenance,  and  gesture.  He  seemed  to  loath  any 
thing  like  monotony.  His  gesticulation  would  have  been  deemed  ex- 
travagant in  anyone  but  himself.  It  partook  very  much  of  the  pantomimic ; 
but  no  one  objected  to  it  in  him,  because  in  him  it  seemed  to  be  becom- 
ing. In  the  professorial  chair  he  had  great  excellence.  The  measure  of 
theological  lore  which  he  secured  and  brought  away  from  the  halls  of 
old  Utrecht  in  her  palmy  days  was  very  large.  His  excellence  as  a  theo- 
logical teacher  did  not  lie  in  the  vigorous  treatment  which  he  gave  to  a 


APPENDIX.  417 

few  prominent,  important,  favorite  topics  of  theology,  but  in  tiie  com- 
prehensive, clear,  systematic  view  he  gave  of  the  whole  and  every  part 
of  that  science.  The  whole  of  it  was  mapped  out  in  its  various  com- 
partments, and  the  relation  of  every  part  was  shown  to  every  other  part 
distinctly.  Thus  every  part  threw  light  upon  every  other  part— a  light 
which  could  not  have  been  thrown  upon  any  part  if  viewed  and  treated 
separately  from  any  other.  And  if  to  this  you  add  that  a  full,  clear,  pre- 
cise definition  was  given  to  every  doctrine  and  fact  embraced  in  the  sys- 
tem, and  that  the  student  was  required  to  make  himself  at  home  upon 
all  this,  any  thinking,  unprejudiced  man  can  appreciate  the  advantages 
attending  such  a  course  of  instruction  and  the  high  ability  of  the  man 
that  carried  it  out  into  effect.  The  pupils  of  Dr.  Livingston  were  not 
required  merely  to  furnish  their  memories  with  theological  truth,  but  to 
exercise  their  judgments  and  reasoning  powers  upon  what  they  had 
gathered  from  their  wise,  good,  and  faithful  instructor,  His  pupils, 
when  they  issued  from  the  Seminary,  were  not  finished,  acute,  profound 
theologians ;  it  was  not  expected  by  their  instructor  or  any  reasonable 
man  that  they  should  be  such.  He,  however,  laid  a  foundation  large 
and  firm,  and  it  was  left  to  them  in  their  after  life  to  build  upon  it  a  pro- 
portional superstructure.  If  they  did  not,  it  was  owing  to  their  indo- 
lence and  negligence,  not  to  any  defects  in  their  previous  course  of  in- 
struction. All  honor  to  one  who  did  so  much  for  the  Church  and  her 
ministry.  Let  him  be  held  in  grateful,  affectionate,  everlasting  remem- 
brance.— Rez>.  Dr.  Gabriel  Ludlcnu. 

Funeral  Sermons,  by  Dr.  JoJm  DeWitt,  Dr.  Cunn,  Dr.  Marsdus,  and 
Dr.  C.  C.  Cnyler.  Memoir,  by  Dr.  Alex.  Gutin,  1830,  8vo.,  pp.  540.  The 
same,  condensed  by  Dr.  Chambers,  1856.  Sketches  in  Sprague's  Anftals, 
by  Drs.  T.  De  Witt,  James  Romeyn,  and  Bishop  Kip.  See  also  McClintock 
and  Strong's  Cyc.  For  a  sketch  of  Robert  Livingston,  original  proprietor 
of  Livingston  Manor,  see  Doc.  Hist,  iii :  434.  Also  Mag.  R.  D.C.'w  100. 
128,  157,  158,  223.  Hist,  of  Livingston  Family,  Mag.  R.  D.  C.  iii:  193, 
225. — Berg's  Evang.  Quarterly,  ii :  1 11.— For  Life  of  Rev.  John  Living- 
ston, of  Ancram,  Scotland,  see  Gunn's  Mem.,  1830,  p.  17  ;  ed.  1856,  p.  351. 
—Ch.  Int.,  Feb.  9,  1872.— Sketch  of  Philip  Livingston,  Cct.  Hist.  N.  Y. 
vi :  60,  note. —  Also  Smith's  N'.  V.  91,  note. 

Publications :  De  Foedere  Sinaitico,  Utrecht,  1770. — Plan  of  L^nion 
between  Coetus  and  Conferentie,  1771.  This  was  largely  written  or 
molded  by  his  influence  while  in  Holland. — An  Inaugural  Oration  in 
Latin,  as  Prof,  of  Theology  R.  D.  C.  1785.  [Oratio  Inauguralis  de  veri- 
tate  Religionis  Christianse  quam,  coram  Veneranda  Ecclesiarum  Belgi- 
carum  Synodo  Neo  Eboraci  Convocata  publice  in  aede  sacra  habuit  Joh- 
annes H.  Livingston,  S.  Theol.  Doctor,  atque  v.  d.  ibidem  Minister, 
quum  Theologian  Professionem  in  earundem  praecipue  usum  auspicaretur 
ad  diem  XIX.  Maji,  MDCCLXXXV.  This  was  reprinted  in  first 
edition  of  Centennial  Discourses  R.C.A.,  1S76,  pp.  553-601.] — Three  ser- 
mons in  Am.  Preacher,  two  on  Growth  in  Grace  (vol.  i.,)  one  on  Sane 
27 


418  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

tuary  Blessings  (vol.  ii..)  1791.— A  Ser.  before  N.  Y.  Miss.  Soc,  1799. — 
A  Ser.  before  N.  Y.  Miss.  Soc,  1804.  (To  the  last  is  added  the  Annual 
Report  of  the  Directors,  and  other  papers  relating  to  Am.  Foreign  Mis- 
sions.)— An  Address  at  the  Commencement  of  Queens  College,  18 10. — 
Funeral  Service;  or,  Meditations  adapted  to  Fun.  Addresses,  being  se- 
lections from  Scripture,  181 2. — A  Dissertation  on  the  Marriage  of  a 
Man  with  his  Sister-in-law,  18 16. — An  Address  to  the  Ref.  Ger.  Churches 
in  the  U.  S.,  1819. — A  System  of  Theology,  in  MS.  (This  large 
bound  vol.  of  MS.  is  in  Sage  Library.)  An  Abstract  of  this  was  pub- 
lished by  one  of  his  pupils.  Rev.  Ava  Neal,  1832. — An  elaborate  letter  to 
the  (one)  Particular  Synod  of  the  R.  D.  C,  about  the  condition  of  the 
Professorship,  1796,  is  published  in  Mints.  Gen.  Syn.  i  :  464. — Another  to 
the  Gen.  Syn.,  181 2,  i :  415. — Letter  to  a  Young  Convert,  Mao^.  R.  D.  C. 
i:  157. — Essay  on  Best  Plan  for  Meliorating  the  Condition  of  the  Jews, 
Ma£-.  R.  D.C.'w  100,  128.  158,  223. — Letters,  a  few  in  Dr.  Janeways  Life, 
136, 140,  187,  188  ;  a  number  in  Gunn's  Memoir  of  him,  to  his  colleagues  and 
others.  His  own  story  of  his  personal  religious  experience  is  also  quoted 
in  his  Memoir.  In  1787  he  made  a  selection  of  Hymns  for  the  Church, 
and  was  the  principal  author  of  the  Explanatory  Articles  of  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  Church, 

REV.    HERMANUS  MEYER,    D.D. 

Hermanus  Meyer  was  born  July  27,  1733,  of  highly  respectable  parents, 
at  Bremen,  Lower  Saxony.  He  studied  Theology  at  the  University  of 
Groningen,  the  Professors  of  which  recommended  him  to  the  church 
of  Kingston,  N.  Y.,  by  which  he  was  called,  and  where  he  entered  the 
pastoral  ofhce  in  1763.  He  began  his  work  in  very  troublous  times,  and 
endeavored  at  first  to  hold  a  neutral  position  between  the  conflicting 
parties  of  the  time.  Many  were  not  only  displeased  with  this,  but  also 
with  his  close  and  faithful  proclamation  of  the  Word  of  God,  and 
his  faithfulness  on  insisting  on  the  necessity  of  experimental  religion. 
On  one  occasion,  after  having  preached  a  sermon  on  regeneration,  one 
of  his  officers  said  to  him,  "  Flesh  and  blood  cannot  endure  such  preach- 
inj,"  to  which  he  replied,  "  Flesh  and  blood  cannot  inherit  the  kingdom 
of  God." 

He  was  also,  contrary  to  his  own  desire,  and  only  after  he  had  ob- 
tained the  opinion  of  the  eminent  jurist,  William  Livingston,  obliged 
by  the  civil  authorities  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  Great  Britain. 
Having  done  this,  he  conceived  that  he  was  relieved  from  allegiance  to 
the  ecclesiastical  as  well  as  the  civil  authorities  of  Holland.  He  became 
an  earnest  advocate  of  ecclesiastical  independence,  and  identified  him- 
self with  the  Coetus  party,  which  was  greatly  in  the  minority  in  his 
church.  He  thus  gave  great  oflfence  to  his  Consistory,  who  belonged 
to  the  Conferentie.  At  their  invitation  three  neighboring  ministers  and 
elders  met  to  consider  his  case.     They  censured  him,  suspended  him 


APPENDIX.  419 

from  his  office,  and  the  doors  of  his  church  were  closed  against  him. 
After  this  high-handed  proceeding  he  continued  to  preach  in  private 
houses,  for  seven  years,  to  those  who  adhered  to  him.  In  1772  he  re- 
moved to  Pompton  in  New  Jersey,  having  been  called  to  the  congrega- 
tion of  Totowa,  Fairfield  and  Pompton  Plains.  He  was  made  Instruc- 
tor of  the  Sacred  Languages  in  1784,  and  Lector  in  Theology  in 
1786. 

Dr.  Meyer  died  in  full  assurance  of  hope  at  his  residence  at  Pequan- 
nock,  October  27,  1791.  in  the  59th  year  of  his  age.  The  sermon  at  his 
funeral  was  preached  by  Rev.  Solomon  Froleigh,  from  Ps.  Ixxiii:  25,  and 
he  was  buried  under  the  pulpit  of  his  Church  at  Pompton  Plains. 

The  following  account  of  Dr.  Meyer  was  furnished  for  "  Sprague's  An- 
nals "  by  his  grandson,  the  late  Herman  M.  Romeyn,  Esq.,  of  Kingston, 
N.  Y. : 

It  is,  I  believe,  universally  conceded  that  Dr.  Meyer  was  a  very  learned 
divine.  His  long  and  indefatigable  academic  discipline  would,  of  itself, 
lead  us  to  expect  that  he  would  hold  a  high  place  among  the  ripest 
scholars  of  his  day.  Of  the  Latin,  Greek  and  Hebrew  languages  he  had 
a  minute  and  critical  knowledge  ;  and  in  the  Syriac  he  was  by  no  means 
unskilled.  The  long  and  uninterrupted  agitations  in  our  churches  were 
averse  to  the  early  accomplishment  of  his  favorite  design  of  furnishing  a 
new  translation  of  the  Old  Testament  Scriptures.  This,  however,  he 
commenced  the  moment  that  there  was  peace  within  our  borders  ;  but 
in  the  midst  of  his  labours  he  was  struck  down  in  death.  Yet  he  has 
left  us  the  beginning  of  that  work,  in  a  full  translation  of  the  Psalms  of 
David,  in  Latin  interlineations  (between  the  text),  with  copious  com- 
mentaries and  emendations,  in  the  finest  of  German  writing,  upon  a 
very  broad  margin. 

But  he  was  not  only  a  learned  divine — he  was  a  truly  evangelical 
minister.  He  was  as  much  distinguished  by  the  warmth  of  his  piety 
and  the  earnest  tone  of  his  preaching,  as  by  his  profound  knowledge  of 
the  Scriptures  and  his  deep  and  varied  learning.  He  was  distinguished 
for  the  fidelity  and  pungency  with  which  he  dealt  with  the  consciences 
of  his  hearers.  In  exhibiting  Divine  truth  he  wielded  the  naked  sword 
of  the  Spirit. 

His  mode  of  sermonizing  was  conformed  to  the  models  of  the  old 
schools,  and  was  very  perfect  of  its  kind.  His  delivery  was  usually  on 
the  conversational  key,  but  was  characterized  by  great  animation.  He 
was  rather  small  of  statui-e,  with  a  countenance  serene  and  placid,  beau- 
tifully illuminated  in  his  zeal  and  earnestness. 

He  was  esteemed  one  of  the  most  amiable  of  men,  free  from  pride  and 
ostentation,  and  yet  dignified,  and  commanding  universal  respect.  It 
was  eminently  true  of  him  throughout  his  whole  life,  that  he  added  to 
his  faith  virtue,  and  to  virtue  knowledge,  and  to  knowledge  temperance, 
and  to  temperance  patience,  and  to  patience  godliness,  and  to  godliness 
brotherly   kindness,   and    to    brotherly    kindness    charity ;    and  these 


420  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

abounding  in  him,  he  was  neither  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

He  was  remarkable  for  exactness  and  punctuality  in  all  his  dealings, 
owing  no  man  anything,  but  to  love  one  another. 

He  was  extremely  assiduous  in  family  and  parochial  visitations.  This 
he  considered  a  most  important  part  of  his  duty,  and  here  it  was  that 
the  loveliness  of  his  character  was  peculiarly  seen  and  felt,  and  those 
charms  exhibited  which  enchained  him  to  his  people.  In  all  meekness 
and  humility  he  was  constantly  among  them  ;  instant  in  season  and  out 
of  season,  at  the  fireside  and  at  the  bedside  ;  instructing,  reproving,  ex- 
horting and  comforting  them,  and  relieving  their  wants  and  administer- 
ing to  them  the  consolations  of  our  holy  religion. 

Such  is  a  faint  outline  of  the  life  and  character  of  this  excellent  man. 
While  he  lived  he  was  respected  and  beloved  ;  and  though  there  are 
few  now  on  earth  who  remember  him,  yet  his  memory  is  still  fragrant, 
being  embalmed  in  the  gratitude  and  veneration  of  the  Church. 

Avisterdani  Correspondence,  many  letters — Doc.  Hist,  iii :  599 — Mag.  R, 
D.  C.  ii  :  296,  300  :  iii  55,  301,  338.  Sprague's  Annals.  McClintock  and 
Strong's  Cycl.  Corivins  Manual.  He  left  a  MS.  Autobiography  which 
was  in  possession  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Hoes. 

REV.  SOLOMON  FROELIGH,  D.D. 

Dr.  Froeligh  is  known  by  the  present  generation  chiefly  as  the  leader 
of  a  secession  of  ministers  and  congregations  from  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  in  1822,  and  their  organization  into  the  "True  Reformed  Dutch 
Church."  The  reasons  given  for  this  secession  were  the  prevailing  un- 
soundness of  doctrine,  the  profanation  of  the  sacraments,  and  laxity  in 
the  exercise  of  discipline  in  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church.  Accordingly,, 
most  favorable  impressions  of  Dr.  Froeligh  on  the  one  hand,  and  most 
unfavorable  on  the  other  have  been  received.  It  is  not  in  place  here  to 
speak  of  the  merits  of  that  movement.  It  is  for  us  gratefully  to  ac- 
knowledge the  great  service  he  did  the  Church  as  a  minister  for  many 
years,  and  also  as  an  able  and  successful  Professor  of  Theology. 

He  was  born  at  Red  Hook,  New  York,  May  29,  1750.  While  he  was 
an  infant  his  parents  removed  to  Ulster  County,  and  his  boyhood  was 
spent  at  the  Clove  and  Caatsban.  He  early  became  a  subject  of  renew- 
ing grace  under  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Schuneman.  He  then  pur- 
sued preparatory  studies  under  Dr.  Romeyn,  at  Schenectady,  and  after- 
wards under  Dr.  Peter  Wilson,*  at  Hackensack.     He  studied   Theology 


*  Peter  Wilson,  who  gave  the  preliminary  education  to  so  many  of  the  ministry  of 
the  Reformed  Church,  deserves  a  notice  beside  the  names  of  his  pupils.  He  was 
born  in  the  north  of  Scotland,  in  1746,  the  son  of  a  farmer.  He  showed  signs  of 
true  piety  in  childhood.  He  was  very  fond  of  study,  and  his  parents  sent  him  to 
the  University  of  Aberdeen.  He  obtained  an  extensive  and  accurate  knowledge  of 
the  classics,  and  was  graduated  at  the  age  of  17.    He  was  soon  invited  to  a  lucrative. 


APPENDIX.  421 

with  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Goetschius,  pastor  of  the  churches  of  Hackensack 
and  Schraalenbcrg,  and  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor  of  the  Church 
of  Jamaica,  and  three  others,  on  Long  Island  in  1775-  But  his  pro- 
nounced advocacy  of  the  cause  of  independence,  made  him  trouble  and 
caused  him  to  flee  to  Hackensack,  leaving  his  books  and  other  efl[ects 
behind,  and  he  narrowly  escaped  capture  by  the  British.  He  then 
served  the  churches  of  Fishkill  and  Poughkeepsie  temporarily,  and  af- 
terwards settled  as  pastor  of  the  churches  of  Millstone  and  Neshanic, 
where  his  labors  were  greatly  blessed.  After  a  very  extensive  revival, 
he  reproached  himself  with  having  been  too  much  lifted  up,  and  not 
having  duly  acknowledged  the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  A  very 
severe  illness  followed,  and  after  that  an  awful  depression  of  spirit, 
which  continued  six  years,  and  which  prevented  him  at  one  time  from 
entering  the  pulpit  for  several  weeks.  In  1786  he  accepted  a  call  to  the 
churches  of  Hackensack  and  Schraalenbcrg,  where  the  early  part  of  his 
ministry  resulted  in  a  very  extensive  and  powerful  revival  of  religion 
and  nearly  200  persons  were  added  to  the  Communion  of  the  Church. 

ofBce  in  a  noble  family,  though  he  himself  belonged  to  the  Established  Scotch 
Presbyterian  Church.  This  excellent  offer,  as  it  was  deemed  by  his  friends,  he 
steadily  declined.     He  had  republican  ideas. 

fie  was  much  incensed  at  seeing  his  old  father  stand  with  his  bald  head  on  a 
■damp  cold  day,  uncovered  for  a  length  of  time  because  of  the  presence  of  a  young 
son  of  the  Laird.  He  declared  to  his  father  that  he  would  not  live  under  a  govern- 
ment which  tolerated  and  enforced  such  distinctions;  that  he  would  go  to  America. 
After  much  entreaty  his  parents  consented,  and  he  arrived  here  in  1763.  He  be- 
came a  teacher,  first  in  New  York,  and  then  in  the  Academy  at  Hackensack, 
which  became  famous  under  his  care.  He  was  an  earnest  patriot  in  the  Revolution, 
writing  and  speaking  in  behalf  of  liberty.  He  afterwards  met  the  young  Laird  who 
had  been  the  cause  of  his  emigration,  in  his  own  house  at  Hackensack,  as  a  British 
officer.  Noisy  and  turbulent  as  he  was  with  his  men  (Mrs.  Wilson  being  very  sick  at 
the  time),  when  they  came  to  recognize  each  other,  kind  treatment  followed.  He  was 
a  member  of  the  Legislature  1777-83,  and  in  17S3  prepared  a  digest  of  the  laws  of 
the  State. 

After  the  war,  he  reopened  his  Academy.  He  had  generally  more  than  lOO 
pupils.  His  friends  proposed  getting  a  charter  for  a  college  at  Hackensack,  but 
through  Mr.  Wilson's  delicacy,  the  matter  vs'as  not  pressed.  He  made  himself  also 
familiar  with  theology  and  Oriental  Literature,  and  was  urged  to  enter  the  ministry, 
he  actually  receiving,  though  unlicensed,  a  call  from  the  Church  of  Albany,  to  be 
come  a  colleague  of  Westerlo.  But  he  refused  to  entertain  these  offars.  In  I793i  be 
became  Prof,  of  Languages  in  Columbia  College,  but  soon  resigned  to  take  charge 
of  Erasmus  Hall,  at  Flatbush.  L.  I.  This  flourished  greatly  under  his  care,  but  in 
1795  he  returned  t J  his  professorship  in  Columbia  College,  which  he  retained  for 
26  years. 

During  this  time  he  published  an  edition  of  the  Greek  New  Testament,  the  first 
published  in  America.  He  was  an  eminent  scholar  and  an  exemplary  Christian.  He 
died  Aug.  ist,  lS25,in  the  79th  year  of  his  age.  See  Ma^.  K.  D.  C,  Vol  //.,  pp. 
97-105. 


422  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

In  his  parsonage  at  Schraalenberg  he  received  and  taught  students  of 
Theology,  first  as  Lector  from  1792,  and  then  as  Professor  from  1797  to^ 
the  year  of  his  secession  in  1822.  His  death  took  place  Oct.  8,  1827,  in 
the  78th  year  of  his  age,  and  53d  of  his  ministry. 

Many  of  the  ministers  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  the  past  generation 
were  taught  Theology  by  him  at  Schraalenberg.  Two  of  his  pupils.  Rev.. 
Dr.  Thomas  De  Witt  and  Rev.  Dr.  Henry  Ostrander,  prepared  apprecia- 
tive notices  of  Dr.  F.  for  Sprague's  Annals,  from  which  we  make  the 
following  extracts  : 

Dr.  De  Witt  says,  "  He  was  about  the  ordinary  size,  perhaps  slightly 
corpulent,  and  with  a  countenance  rather  staid  and  sober  than  expres- 
sive of  strong  emotion.  His  manners,  though  not  highly  cultivated, 
were  not  generally  otherwise  than  courteous,  unless,  perhaps,  towards 
some  of  his  ecclesiastical  neighbors,  with  whom  his  relations  were  not 
such  as  to  inspire  any  great  cordiality.  His  mind  was  clear  and  dis- 
criminating, and  his  communications,  whether  in  or  out  of  the  pulpit, 
were  easily  understood.  Hfe  had  not  a  highly  excitable  temperament,, 
but,  if  his  mind  became  fixed  in  any  direction,  it  would  move  on  with  a 
dogged  coolness,  which  some  might  call  obstinacy,  quite  irresistible.. 
His  manner  in  the  pulpit,  though  not  specially  attractive,  was  serious 
and  dignified,  and  showed  that  he  felt  the  weight  of  the  truths  which  he 
was  delivering.  His  discourses  were  eminently  practical,  and  some  of 
them  contained  very  close  and  pungent  appeals  to  the  conscience.  As 
a  theologian,  I  do  not  suppose  that  his  range  of  reading  had  been  very 
extensive,  but  he  was  well  versed  in  the  ordinary  routine  of  the  old  the- 
ology, and  held  all  his  theological  opinions  firmly  and  intelligently.  He 
was  very  acceptable  and  useful  as  a  theological  teacher.  Of  his  pastoral 
qualities  I  have  no  particular  means  of  forming  a  judgment,  apart  from 
the  fact  that  his  people  were  strongly  attached  to  him,  and  in  the  un- 
happy controversy  in  which  he  was  engaged,  espoused  his  cause  with 
great  unanimity  and  cordiality.  I  will  only  add  that  he  was  an  earnest 
Democrat  in  his  politics,  and,  as  one  of  the  Electors  of  President  of 
the  United  States,  for  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  in  1800,  gave  his  vote 
for  Thomas  Jefferson." 

Dr.  Ostrander  says,  "  I  had  excellent  opportunities  of  becoming  ac- 
quainted with  the  principles,  habits,  and  the  whole  character  of  the  late 
Dr.  Solomon  Froeligh,  being  for  some  time  an  inmate  of  his  family,  and 
a  student  of  Theology  under  his  direction.  I  think  it  was  impossible 
for  one  to  be  a  witness  of  his  daily  life  without  being  deeply  impressed 
by  the  strength  of  his  devout  feelings,  and  his  conscientious  devotedness 
to  his  work  as  a  minister  of  Christ.  He  was  very  earnest  in  his  advo- 
cacy of  experimental  religion,  and  in  inculcating  the  necessity  of  form- 
ing the  churches  to  a  higher  type  of  spirituality.  He  exhorted,  prayed, 
sighed  continually  for  more  boldness  and  energy  in  discipline,  more  cau- 
tion in  the  admission  of  members,  and  more  conformity  to  the  letter  and 
spirit  of  our  constitutional  requirements.     It  is  evident  enough  that  he 


APPENDIX.  423 

was  occasionally  subject  to  deep  mental  depression,  and  temptations  to 
doubt  and  unbelief;  and  on  other  occasions,  especially  in  his  public 
ministrations,  and  in  the  distribution  of  the  sacramental  elements,  his 
mind  seemed  rapt  into  a  state  of  holy  admiration.  His  frequent  wrest- 
lings, fastings,  and  devout  intercourse  with  his  familiar  friends,  imparted 
additional  earnestness  and  pathos  to  his  public  exhortations.  When 
not  borne  down  by  any  special  calamity,  he  was  generally  lively  in  con- 
versation, and  particularly  disposed  to  relate  interesting  anecdotes, 
sometimes  to  amuse,  sometimes  to  instruct.  Possessing  an  excellent 
memory,  an  intellect  comprehensive,  and  capable  of  profound  research, 
and  a  habit  of  untiring  industry,  it  is  no  wonder  that  he  should  have  ac- 
cumulated, as  he  actually  did,  a  large  fund  of  theological  and  historical 
information.  Nor  was  it  strange  that,  being  warmly  attached  to  the 
accredited  standards  of  the  Church,  he  should  have  become  one  of  the 
most  influential  and  useful  of  our  ministers. 

Dr.  F.  was  very  minutely  and  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  Dutch  lan- 
guage, indeed,  it  was  thought  that  he  was  scarcely  inferior  in  this  respect 
to  the  most  learned  of  the  Holland  divines,  who  had  settled  in  this 
country.  On  his  tongue  the  Dutch  seemed  to  lose  all  its  harsh  and 
grating  sounds,  and  to  acquire  a  musical  softness,  and  sometimes  an  air 
of  solemnity,  that  fell  gratefully  and  impressively  upon  the  ear.  As  to 
the  English  language,  he  was  less  familiar  with  it  than  with  his  native 
Dutch ;  and  yet  he  wrote  English  sermons,  orations,  addresses,  essays 
and  political  communications  for  the  press,  in  which  he  sometimes  hit 
of?  ideas  with  great  felicity  of  expression. 

He  considered  every  clergyman  in  the  country  solemnly  bound  to 
exert  his  influence  to  the  utmost  for  the  support  of  the  national  govern- 
ment ;  and  whatever  may  have  been  thought  of  the  ardor  which  he  some- 
times manifested  on  this  subject,  no  man  could  reasonably  doubt  that 
he  was  an  honest,  conscientious  patriot.  He  reprobated  extravagant 
eulogies  pronounced  at  the  funerals  of  distinguished  men,  the  evidence 
of  whose  integrity  was  of  only  an  equivocal  character — especially  would 
he  treat  with  contempt  the  efforts  of  orators  to  array  the  characters  of 
deceased  infidels,  as  was  sometimes  done,  in  the  beautiful  garb  of  Chris- 
tian piety.  With  no  lenient  pen  would  he  treat  either  the  living  or  the 
dead  whom  he  believed  to  have  erred  grossly  either  from  what  he  con- 
sidered the  true  Christian  creed,  or  from  principles  of  political  integrity. 

It  is  not  to  be  dissembled  that,  before  ecclesiastical  judicatories,  ques- 
tions were  often  discussed  in  which  Dr.  F.  had  more  or  less  of  personal 
interest,  and  the  determination  of  which  was  sure  to  interfere  with  his 
known  views  of  Scripture  doctrine  or  ecclesiastical  polity.  On  such  oc- 
casions his  reasonings  were  plausible,  if  not  conclusive  ;  and  his  manner 
furnished  the  evidence  of  his  deep  sincerity.  His  skill  in  managing  con- 
troversy was  generally  conceded,  and  his  efTorts  in   this  way  were  often 


424  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

successful.     He   could    lay  no   claim   to  the  graces  of  oratory,  yet  his 
words  were  weighty  and  often  irresistible. 

Dr.  F.  was  placed  in  circumstances  of  painful  antagonism  with  some 
of  his  brethren,  which  gave  to  him  no  inconsiderable  notoriety;  but  as 
this  pertains  rather  to  the  history  of  his  life  than  the  delineation  of  his 
character,  I  shall  pass  it  over  without  observation.  It  cannot  be  ques- 
tioned by  his  greatest  admirers  that  he  had  some  marked  imperfections  ; 
but  I  confess  it  is  more  grateful  to  me  to  think  of  his  many  substantial 
good  qualities,  and  especially  to  think  of  him  as  I  believe  he  now  is, 
with  his  imperfections  all  gone  and  his  excellencies  magnified  into  the 
symmetry,  and  purity,  and  beauty  of  the  Third  Heavens." 

Taylor  s  Annals  of  the  Classzs  of  Bergen.  Gordon  s  Life  of  Ostrander, 
pp.  25,  32,  46,  47.  Cannon  s  Past.  TheoL,  p.  585.  Minutes  CI.  of  Bergen 
and  Parainus.  Rev.  C.  T.  Demarest's  Lamentation  over  Dr.  Froeligh. 
Brinkerhoff' s  History  of  the  True  Ref.  D.  Church,  N.  V.,  1873.  Romeyn's 
Discourse  on  First  Ref  .  Diitch  Church  of  Hackensack.  Gordon's  Manual 
R.  D.  C,  Schraalenberg.    Minutes  of  Synod  of  True  Ref.  Dutch   Church. 

Publications  :  A  sermon  preached  at  Hackensack,  1795,  on  occasion  of 
the  lightning  rending  the  steeple  of  the  church.  Job  37  :  5.  In  Banner 
of  Truth,  vol.  iv.  No.  2.  This  is  a  magazine  of  the  True  Dutch  Reformed 
Church. — A  Sermon  on  the  Heidelberg  Catechism.  i  John  i  :  3. 
Banner  of  Truth,  vol.  iv.  No.  6. — A  Sermon  on  Gen.  47  :  9.  Banner  of 
Truth,  vol.  iv.,  No.  8. — A  Sermon  on  2  Tim.  2  :  8.  Banner  of  Truth, 
vol.  V.  No.  I. — A  Sermon  in  the  New  Jersey  Preacher. — An  account  of 
the '  Religious  Revival  at  Hackensack  and  Schraalenberg.  N.  V. 
Miss.  Mag.  1800. — The  Trial  of  Universal  Charity  by  a  Jury.  i2mo.  pp. 
268.  N.  Y.,  1824. — Reasons  Assigned  by  a  number  of  Ministers,  Elders 
and  Deacons  for  declaringthemselves  the  True  Reformed  Dutch  Church 
in  the  U.  S.  A.,  i2mo.  pp.  11.     Hackensack,  1822. 

REV.  THEODORIC  ROMEYN,  D.D. 

Theodoric,  commonly  called  Dirck  Romeyn,  the  son  of  Nicholas  Ro- 
meyn  and  Rachel  Vreeland  was'born  in  Hackensack,  Jan.  12,  1744;  was 
graduated  from  Princeton  College  in  1765;  studied  theology  with  the 
Rev.  J.  M.  Goetschius,  and  was  ordained  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Schune- 
man  and  Goetschius,  and  installed  pastor  of  the  churches  of  Marble- 
town,  Rochester  and  Wawarsing  in  Ulster  Co.,  New  York,  in  1766.  In 
1776,  he  took  charge  of  the  churches  of  Hackensack  and  Schraalen- 
berg. His  ministry  to  those  congregations  was  much  broken  up  by  tha 
condition  of  things  among  them  during  the  Revolutionary  war.  He  was 
a  warm  and  decided  advocate  of  the  cause  of  Independence,  and  be- 
came a  mark  for  British  and  tory  hate  and  violence.  His  house  was 
twice  plundered,  and  he  was  obliged  to  remove  his  family  to  Marble- 
town  for  safety.  He,  at  great  risk  of  liberty  and  life,  made  frequent 
visits  to  his  congregations,  and  more  than  once,  narrowly  escaped  cap>- 


ArrENDIX.  425 

ture.  He  did  all  in  his  power,  under  these  unfavoraljlc  circumstances, 
to  promote  the  spiritual  interests  of  these  congregations.  In  1784  he 
declined  invitations  to  the  church  of  New  Brunswick  and  the  Presi- 
dency of  Queens  College.  The  Presidency  of  the  College  was 
again  declined  by  him  in  1791.  In  the  same  year  he  accepted  a  call  to 
the  church  of  Schenectady.  He  was  instrumental  in  there  establishing 
an  Academy,  which,  in  his  own  day,  became  Union  College.  In  1786  he 
declined  a  call  to  the  church  of  New  York,  and  afterwards  declined 
calls  to  other  important  churches,  remaining  with  his  people  at  Sche- 
nectady, twenty  years,  until  his  death,  which  occurred  April  i6th,  1804. 
He  was  made  Lector  in  Theolog)'^  in  1792  and  Professor  in  1797. 

The  following  account  of  Dr.  R.  was  furnished  for  Sprague's  Annals 
by  his  nephew,  the  late  Rev.  Jacob  Brodhead,  D.D. : 

I  can  never  forget  the  impression  made  on  my  mind,  as  often  as  I 
looked  upon  his  external  form,  his  manly,  noble  stature,  his  majestic, 
though  sometimes  stern  countenance,  that  he  resembled  the  illustrious 
Washington.  Like  him,  too,  he  passed  through  the  memorable,  and 
often  most  distressing,  scenes  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  Being  about 
thirty  years  of  age  at  its  commencement,  and  being  deeply  persuaded  of 
the  righteousness  of  the  cause  in  which  the  Colonies  were  engaged,  he 
openly  and  earnestly  espoused  the  side  of  liberty.  While  he  diligently 
discharged  the  duties  as  Christian  minister,  he  yielded  to  the  impulses 
of  a  lofty  patriotism,  and,  by  every  means  in  his  power,  co-operated  with 
his  fellow  citizens  who  were  struggling  for  emancipation  from  political 
tyranny.  Some  of  the  dangers  which  he  encountered,  and  the  almost 
miraculous  escapes  that  he  experienced,  are  worthy  to  be  recorded 
among  the  striking  incidents  of  that  eventful  period. 

Dr.  Romeyn's  intellect  was  in  admirable  harmony  with  his  external 
form  and  carriage.  His  natural  endowments  were  of  a  very  high  order. 
He  possessed  what  may  truly  be  denominated  a  strong  mind\  and  though 
the  advantages  of  education  in  his  day  were,  in  many  respects,  inferior 
to  those  of  the  present,  yet  he  was  industrious  and  successful  in  the  ac- 
quisition of  knowledge  from  all  sources  within  his  reach.  With  a  singu- 
larly retentive  memory,  united  to  a  strong  desire  to  become  familiar 
with  every  legitimate  subject  of  human  inquiry  he  was,  in  many  respects, 
far  in  advance  of  the  times  in  which  he  lived. 

It  is  not,  therefore,  a  matter  of  surprise  that  he  became  conspicuous, 
both  in  the  Church  with  which  he  was  connected  and  in  the  community 
in  which  he  lived.  From  his  great  desire  to  extend  the  blessings  of  re- 
ligion and  education,  he  was  much  interested  in  a  plan  to  establish  a 
State  University  ;  but,  failing  in  this,  he  turned  his  attention  and  his 
efforts  to  the  establishment  of  a  college  at  Schenectady,  the  place  where 
he  resided  ;  and  so  important  was  his  influence  in  connection  with  that 
enterprise,  that  he  may  in  truth  be  said  to  be  the  father  of  Union  Col- 
lege. In  such  high  estimation  was  he  held  that  the  Presidency  of  the 
institution  was  originally  offered  to  him  ;  but  he  declined  it  for  reasons 


426  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

satisfactory  at  least  to  himself.  His  reputation  for  integrity  and  solid 
judgment,  as  well  as  for  ardent  attachment  to  the  cause  of  evangelical 
religion,  gave  his  opinions  on  almost  every  subject  great  weight  with  all 
classes  ;  indeed,  his  general  influence  throughout  the  city  and  the  region 
was  greater  than  that  of  almost  any  other  man. 

He  was  a  warm  friend  of  the  first  three  Presidents  of  the  College — 
the  Rev.  Drs.  Smith,  Edwards  and  Maxcy — who  frequently  preached  for 
him  and  consulted  with  him  on  matters  connected  with  the  institution. 

As  a  Preacher,  Dr.  Romeyn  was  in  some  respects  peculiar.  His  pre- 
paratory studies  were  in  the  Dutch  language ;  and  in  that  language  he 
generally  preached  during  the  former  part  of  his  ministry.  After  his  re- 
moval to  Schenectady  he  conducted  the  morning  service  in  Dutch,  and 
the  afternoon  service  in  English.  And  I  well  remember  that  there  was 
sometimes  a  hesitancy  when  he  preached  in  English,  for  want  of  a 
proper  word,  as  he  never  had  notes  before  him.  This  was  caused  by  the 
necessity  of  translating  from  the  one  language  to  the  other,  as  he  pro- 
ceeded in  his  sermon ;  for  he  appeared  to  think  in  the  language  most 
familiar  to  him.  But,  notwithstanding  this  defect,  he  was  one  of  the 
most  earnest,  impressive  and  instructive  preachers  I  have  ever  heard. 
His  discourses  were  thoroughly  evangelical,  well  digested,  and  full  of 
pertinent  and  weighty  thoughts.  His  manner  was  commanding,  yet 
easy  and  natural.  His  most  expressive  organ  was  his  eye  ;  and  when  he 
was  excited,  no  one  could  withstand  its  power.  Many  of  the  students 
at  College  could  testify  to  this,  and  sometimes  from  an  experience  not 
the  most  agreeable.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  Sabbath  they  were  accus- 
tomed to  attend  the  Dutch  Church,  and  sometimes,  during  the  service, 
they  would  engage  in  conversation,  and  in  unbecoming  levity  of  con- 
duct ;  but,  if  observed  by  the  Doctor,  he  turned  upon  them  his  piercing 
eye  to  such  good  purpose  as  to  make  them  hide  their  faces  in  utter  con- 
fusion. One  of  those  withering  looks,  without  the  utterance  of  a  word, 
would  fully  accomplish  his  object. 

Such  was  Dr.  Romeyn's  reputation  in  the  denomination  with  which 
he  was  immediately  connected,  that  the  highest  honor  was  conferred 
upon  him  by  his  being  appointed  to  one  of  its  theological  Professorships 
— an  office  which  he  contmued  to  hold  until  the  close  of  life.  Time  has 
been  when  there  were  many  who  could  testify  to  the  eminent  ability 
and  fidelity  with  which  he  discharged  the  duties  of  this  responsible 
station  ;  but  nearly  all  who  were  favored  with  his  instructions  have  now 
passed  away.  I  was  myself  among  the  last  who  obtained  from  him  a 
professorial  certificate  for  licensure.  It  was  while  I  was  discharging  the 
duties  of  a  tutor  in  Union  College. 

Such  are  some  of  my  impressions  of  the  character  of  my  ever-ven- 
erated and  long-since  departed  uncle.  He  was  not  perfect,  I  know.  He 
was  naturally  of  a  lofty  spirit ;  was  rather  reserved  than  familiar  in  his 
ordinary  intercourse,  and  had  few  confidential  friends.  His  stately  and 
distant  bearing  sometimes  subjected  him  to  the  imputation  of  hauteur; 


API'ENDIX.  427 

but  no  one  could  ever  regard  him  but  with  the  most  profound  respect. 
Whatever  may  have  been  his  defects,  they  appertained  to  one  who  was 
himself  deeply  sensible  of  them,  and  who  trusted  for  forgiveness  wholly 
to  Him  who  is  the  Savior  of  sinners.  He  has  gone  to  his  reward,  and 
his  mantle  fell  upon  his  only  son.  the  Rev.  John  Brodhead  Romeyn, 
whose  talents  and  popularity  as  a  preacher  placed  him  among  the  brighter 
lights  of  his  day.  He,  too,  has  passed  way,  and  for  many  years  has 
slept  in  the  dust  with  his  venerated  father. 

Doc.  Hist,  iii  :  600.  Gtinn's  Livingston,  ed.  1856,  p.  383.  Taylor's  An- 
nals of  Bergen.  Sprague's  Annals.  Corwin's  Manual.  Romeyn  s  Dis- 
course on  First  Ch.  of  Hackensack.  Griffis'  Historical  Discourse  on  First 
Church  of  Schenectady. 

REV.  JOHN  BASSETT,  D.D. 

From  Corwin' s  Manual. 

John  Bassett  was  born  at  Bushwick,  L.  I.,  in  1764,  was  graduated  from 
Columbia  College  in  1786;  pursued  theological  studies  with  Dr.  Living- 
ston, was  licensed  by  the  Synod  in  1787,  was  ordained  and  installed  pas- 
tor of  the  Church  of  Albany  1787,  and  served  that  Church  until  1804. 
He  was  pastor  of  the  Church  of  Boght,  in  the  Classis  of  Albany,  from 
1805  to  181 1  ;  of  the  Churches  of  Gravesend  and  Bushwick  from  181 1  to 
1824,  in  which  year  he  died.  He  resigned  his  professorship  in  the  year 
181 2.  He  was  elected  a  Trustee  of  Queens  College  in  1788,  shortly  after 
his  settlement  at  Albany. 

He  was  a  man  of  extraordinary  erudition,  and  an  excellent  Hebrew 
and  classical  scholar.  He  trained  a  number  of  young  men  for  the  min- 
istry. He  was  an  edifying  preacher,  though  not  gifted  with  great  vivid- 
ness of  imagination  or  with  eloquence. 

Publications :  i.  Psalms,  Hymns  and  Spiritual  Songs.  Albany,  1791. 
2.  Translation  of  Immen's  Pious  Communicant.  2  vols.  8vo.  New 
York,  1801.  3.  Historical  Appendix  to  Johnson's  Farewell  Sermon  at 
Albany,  1802.     4.  Memorial  of  Church  of  Albany  to  Classis,  1804.  pp.36- 

REV.  JEREMIAH  ROMEYN,  D.D. 

leremiah  Romeyn,  the  son  of  John  Romeyn  and  Juliana  McCarty,  was 
born  in  New  York  City,  Dec.  24,  1768.  His  classical  studies  were  pur- 
sued at  Dr.  Wilson's  Academy  at  Hackensack,  and  his  theological,  first 
under  Prof.  Romeyn  and  then  under  Prof.  Meyer,  whose  daughter  he 
married.  He  was  pastor  of  the  church  of  Linlithgo,  Col.  Co.,  N.Y.,  from 
1788  to  1806,  supplying  at  the  time  the  churches  of  Upper  and  Lower 
Red  Hook.  In  1806  he  removed  to  Harlem,  and  was  pastor  of  the  church 
in  that  place  until  18 14.  when  he  removed  to  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and 
served  the  churches  of  Schoharie  Kill  and  Beaver  Dam  until  1817,  when 
he  removed  to  Woodstock,  Ulster  Co.,  where  he  died  in  the  year  follow- 
ing at  the  age  of   50.     For  his   office   of  Professor  of  Hebrew  he  was 


438  CENTENNIAL    MEMORIAL. 

admirably  qualified,  and  he  taught  a  number  of  young  men  who  be- 
came prominent  in  the  Church. 

We  quote  from  a  sketch  prepared  by  the  late  Rev.  James  Murphy, 
D.D.: 

"  I  was  his  pupil  and  an  inmate  of  his  family  for  about  eighteen 
months,  commencing  in  1812.  He  was  then  about  forty-four  years  of  age. 

His  personal  appearance  was  uncommonly  imposing — nearly  six  feet 
in  height,  of  a  full  habit,  grave,  dignified  and  graceful.  His  head  was 
finely  formed,  his  visage  large,  with  a  dark  blue,  powerful  eye,  well  set 
under  an  expanded  brow ;  his  countenance  florid  ;  his  hair  full  and 
white,  and  usually  powdered  when  entering  the  pulpit  or  associating  with 
gentlemen  of  the  olden  school. 

He  was  at  that  time  the  minister  of  the  Dutch  Church  at  Harlem. 
The  permanent  congregation  was  small,  but  there  was  a  large  increase 
in  the  summer,  in  consequence  of  many  citizens  of  New  York  going 
thither  to  pass  the  warm  season.  Yet  I  could  never  see  that  the  small- 
ness  of  the  audience  had  any  effect  upon  his  preaching.  He  used  to  say 
that  the  few  who  came  both  deserved  and  required  good  spiritual  food, 
as  well  as  the  many. 

His  voice  was  of  a  fine,  clear  bass — of  remarkable  smoothness  and  very 
considerable  compass.  It  filled  easily  the  largest  church  edifice.  He 
spoke  apparently  without  effort,  and  still  had  the  appearance  of  pro- 
found thought  whilst  speaking.  There  was  no  hurry,  no  hesitation,  no 
repetition.  Every  word  was  well  chosen,  and  every  sentence  happily 
constructed.  He  was  averse  to  the  use  of  many  epithets,  and  used  to  say 
that  their  tendency  was  to  feebleness  and  obscurity. 

He  was  a  thorough  and  accurate  linguist,  and  as  a  Hebrew  scholar 
particularly,  his  reputation  was  very  high.  He  pronounced  the  Hebrew, 
in  the  German  accent,  with  great  skill,  adhering  carefully  to  the  Masor- 
etic  points.  His  attachment  to  this  language  brought  him  and  kept 
him  for  many  years  in  close  intimacy  with  the  Jewish  Rabbi  and  other 
teachers  of  Hebrew  in  New  York,  who  often  spoke  of  his  high  scholar- 
ship in  this  department. 

His  favorite  study  was  Didactic  Theology.  His  acquaintance  with 
the  works  of  Marck,  Turretin,  and  other  eminent  divines  of  the  same 
school,  was  very  minute  and  accurate.  He  regarded  Marck's  Medulla 
as  a  key  to  the  treasures  of  learnmg  of  the  old  divines.  He  had  also  a 
great  fondness  for  Calvin's  Institutes,  and  cordially  embraced  the  sys- 
tem of  Theology  which  that  work  contains. 

He  delighted  in  the  duties  of  the  pulpit,  and  was  there  peculiarly  at 
home.  No  matter  what  might  be  his  embarrassments,  (and  they  were 
sometimes  very  considerable),  he  would  say,  "  I  leave  them  all  at  the 
foot  of  the  pulpit  stairs."  In  the  early  part  of  his  ministry  he  wrote  a 
few  sermons,  but  he  quickly  abandoned  the  practice  of  writing  and  be- 
took himself  to  extemporaneous  preaching,  so  far,  at  least,  as  the  lan- 
guage   was  concerned.      In  his  preparation  for  the    pulpit,  he  more 


APPENDIX.  429 

frequently,  I  think,  used  Guyse's  Paraphrase  than  anything  else.  I  once 
spoke  to  him  of  the  advantage  of  Matthew  Henry's  Commentary,  but 
he  replied,  "  I  only  want  a  clear  understanding  of  the  text." 

He  was  not  confined  to  any  particular  manner  of  sermonizing.  Some- 
times he  was  thoroughly  didactic,  at  other  times  in  a  high  degree 
discursive,  descriptive  and  illustrative  ;  and  frequently,  when  preaching 
on  the  love  of  God  in  Christ,  he  would  seem  quite  enraptured  with  his 
noble  theme.  I  have  noticed  in  his  preaching  what  I  never  observed  in 
the  same  degree  in  that  of  any  other  person — a  combination  of  the  man- 
ner of  the  Dutch,  English  and  French  preachers  in  one  sermon;  and 
that  with  very  great  effect.  He  would,  agreeably  to  the  Dutch  usage, 
give  a  remote  introduction,  pointing  directly  to  his  subject  briefly  and 
clearly  ;  then  would  employ  the  English  mode  of  reasoning  calmly  and 
closely  ;  and  would  finish  in  the  lively  and  picturesque  manner  forwhich 
the  French  are  distinguished.  His  sermons  were  usually  about  fifty 
minutes  long.  His  language  was  remarkably  correct  and  pertinent, 
and  he  never  failed  to  exhibit  in  the  pulpit  the  most  perfect  self-com- 
mand. 

He  was  a  man  of  wit  and  great  colloquial  talents,  and  hence  he  was  al- 
ways cordially  welcomed  by  such  men  as  Chancellor  Livingston  and  Gov- 
erneur  Morris.  I  have  seen  a  highly  complimentary  letter  to  him  from 
Chancellor  Livingston,  written  on  the  occasion  of  his  presenting  to  Mr. 
Romeyn  a  beautiful  copy  of  Pearson  on  the  Creed. 

He  was  of  a  highly  nervous  temperament,  and  consequently  some- 
what irritable,  but  was  always  forgiving  and  kind.  He  was  "given  to 
hospitality."  He  manifested  great  vivacity  in  his  intercourse,  and  yet 
was  a  truly  serious  man.  With  him  everything  connected  with  religion 
was  important.  In  his  liveliest  sallies  he  never  evinced  any  lack  of  rev- 
erence for  sacred  subjects. 

He  was  never  placed  in  circumstances  the  most  favorable  to  the  de- 
velopment or  the  exhibition  of  his  powers.  Had  he  been  thrown  into 
a  different  situation,  where  he  could  have  had  a  wider  and  more  public 
sphere  in  which  to  operate,  I  cannot  doubt  that  he  would  have  at- 
tained a  degree  of  distinction  far  greater  than  he  ever  reached. "^ 
Spragues  Annals,  Ref.  D.  Pulpit,  p.  93. 

REV.  JOHN  M.  VAN  HARLINGEN. 
By  Rev.  P.  D.  Van  Cleef,  D.D. 
Mr.  Van  Harlingen  was  a  nephew  of  the  Rev.  Johannes  Martinus  Van 
Harlingen,  who  was  one  of  the  last  of  the  American  Dutch  ministers 
who  went  to  Holland  to  be  ordained  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  an 
original  Trustee  of  Queens  College,  and  for  thirty-three  years  pastor  at 
Neshanic  and  Sourland  ;  the  latter  place  having  been  subsequently 
named  Harlingen,  as  a  tribute  of  respect  for  one  so  universally  beloved. 
He  was  the  son  of  Ernestus  Van  Harlingen,  and  was  born  at  Millstone, 


430  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

N.  J.,  A.  D.,  1761.  He  was  graduated  from  Queens  College  in  1783,  and 
pursued  his  theological  studies  partly  with  his  uncle,  and  partly  with 
Dr.  Hermanus  Meyer,  at  Pompton.  He  was  licensed  by  the  Christian 
Synod  of  Dutch  Reformed  Churches  in  1786,  and  the  following  year, 
having  been  ordained  by  the  same  body,  became  pastor  of  the  churches 
of  Millstone  and  Six-Mile-Run,  now  Franklin  Park.  After  serving  his 
united  and  extensive  charge  for  about  ten  years  he  resigned,  but  con- 
tinued to  reside  at  Millstone,  where  he  devoted  himself  most  assidu- 
ously to  sacred  studies. 

For  several  years  previous  to  the  establishment  of  the  Theological 
Professorate  at  New  Brunswick  by  the  removal  of  Dr.  Livmgston  to 
that  place,  Mr.  Van  Harlingen  had  been  accustomed  to  receive  young 
men  at  his  residence,  and  instruct  them  in  Hebrew  and  in  Ecclesiastical 
History,  with  a  view  to  their  licensure.  After  relinquishing  his  first 
charge  he  never  afterward  settled,  although  he  labored  abundantly  in 
assisting  his  brethren,  and  supplying  vacant  pulpits  by  classical  appoint- 
ment. He  was  deeply  learned,  and  especially  proficient  in  the  Hebrew 
Language.  Accordingly,  on  the  resignation  of  Rev.  Dr.  Bassett,  he  was 
appointed  by  the  General  Synod,  in  181 2,  Professor  of  the  Hebrew  Lan- 
guage, and  also  of  Ecclesiastical  History.  He  accepted  the  chair  of  He- 
brew, and  agreed  to  teach  temporarily  in  Church  History.  He  filled  his 
double  professorship  for  about  one  year,  with  acceptance  and  growing 
prospects  of  usefulness,  when  he  was  suddenly,  and  after  a  brief  and 
painful  illness,  removed  by  death,  on  the  i6th  of  June,  1813,  aged  fifty- 
two  years. 

From  early  childhood  he  was  exceedingly  fond  of  books,  and  spent 
much  of  his  time  in  their  exclusive  company.  He  was  never  married, 
and  cared  little  for  society.  His  library  was  his  paradise,  with  no  for- 
bidden tree  of  knowledge.  Although  quiet  and  reserved,  and  seldom 
known  to  laugh,  or  even  to  smile,  yet  his  conversation  was  exceedingly 
instructive  and  interesting,  and  he  drew  others  to  him  by  his  kindness 
of  heart.  He  preached  both  in  Dutch  and  English,  and  his  skill  in  the 
languages  would  have  qualified  him  for  great  usefulness  as  an  author, 
had  not  his  extreme  modesty  prevented  him  from  appearing  in  that 
character  before  the  public.  His  only  publication  is  an  excellent  trans- 
lation of  the  valuable  Lectures  of  Van  der  Kemp  on  the  Heidelberg  Cat- 
echism, issued  in  two  volumes,  in  18 10.  This  work  was  undertaken  at 
the  earnest  solicitation  of  many  of  his  brethren,  and,  it  is  said,  by  the 
formal  request  of  the  General  Synod. 

Mr.  Van  Harlingen  was  in  person  tall  and  spare,  somewhat  stooping 
in  his  walk,  extremely  diffident,  seldom  lifting  his  eyes  or  turning  them 
to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left  as  he  quietly  passed  along.  He  was  re- 
markable for  his  meditative  habits,  and  his  abstraction  from  surround- 
ing scenes  and  occurrences,  which  known  peculiarity  sometimes  sub- 
jected him  to  very  amusing  and  embarrassing  experiences.  He  had  cer- 
tain habits  of  doing  various  things  from  which  he  never  deviated.     He 


APPENDIX.  431 

always  rode  to  church  on  horseback,  and  tied  his  horse  to  one  particu- 
lar post,  where  he  expected  to  find  him.  On  one  occasion  while  preach- 
ing, some  mischicv^ous  young  men,  who.  according  to  custom,  also  came 
on  horseback,  and  did  not  scruple  to  try  the  speed  of  their  horses  on 
their  way  home,  tied  one  of  their  frisky  steeds  in  the  place  of  the  par- 
son's gentle  old  nag.  Filled  with  devout  thoughts  the  good  man 
walked  directly  from  the  church  door  to  the  familiar  post,  and  without 
noticing  the  change  proceeded  to  mount.  Tradition  says  there  was  a 
race  that  day  in  which  the  Domine  won,  but  we  incline  to  believe  that 
the  trick  was  fortunately  discovered  in  time  to  avert  what  might  have 
been  disastrous  rather  than  amusing. 

Mr.  Van  Harlingen  was  not,  in  the  common  acceptation  of  the  term, 
a  popular  preacher,  as  his  utterance  was  monotonous,  and  he  stood 
holding  fast  to  the  pulpit,  seldom  making  a  gesture,  or  varying  his  atti- 
tude, during  the  delivery  of  his  discourse.  But  his  sermons  were  well 
digested  and  carefully  written,  and  although  the  young  and  thoughtless 
may  have  become  drowsy  or  restive  under  them,  they  were  listened  to 
with  great  delight  and  profit  by  devout  and  intelligent  persons  who 
valued  systematic  doctrine,  and  appreciated  deep  religious  experience. 

One  who  in  his  youth  sat  as  a  pupil  at  the  feet  of  Professor  Van  Har- 
lingen has  thus  recorded  his  estimate  of  him  :  "  The  great  excellence 
of  the  character  of  this  good  man  was  his  deep,  fervent,  experimental 
piety.  Although  I  cannot  testify  concerning  this  particular  from  my 
personal  knowledge,  yet  I  well  remember  the  testimony  of  my  own 
godly  parents,  and  of  many  of  the  fathers  of  the  church  in  which  he 
had  ministered.  He  was  one  of  those  Christians  who  manifestly  live 
above  the  world.  With  a  sufficient  patrimony  to  make  all  attention  to 
pecuniary  gain  unnecessary,  he  employed  his  whole  time  in  sacred 
studies,  spiritual  conversation,  and  private  devotions.  The  savor  of  his 
piety  is  like  ointment  poured  forth,  that  still  exhales  its  fragrance  m  the 
region  where  he  lived  and  died." 

REV.  JOHN  SCHUREMAN,  D.D. 

John  Schureman,  son  of  James  Schureman  and  Eleanor  Williamson, 
was  born  near  New  Brunswick,  Oct  19th,  1778;  was  graduated  from 
Queens  College  in  1795  ;  studied  Theology  under  Prof.  Livingston,  and 
was  licensed  in  1801.  In  the  same  year  he  was  ordained  and  installed 
pastor  of  the  church  of  Bedminster,  and  continued  such  until  1807,  when 
he  accepted  a  call  to  the  church  of  Millstone,  which  he  served  two  years, 
after  which  he  became  one  of  the  pastors  of  the  Collegiate  Church  in  New 
York.  Feeling  physically  unable  to  perform  the  labors  there  required 
of  him,  he  accepted  an  invitation  to  the  Vice-Presidency  of  Queens  Col- 
lege, and  removed  to  New  Brunswick  in  181 1.  He  was  also  Professor  of 
Moral  Philosophy  and  Belles  Lettres  in  the  College.  He  was  elected  a 
Trustee  of  the  College  in  iSoo.  and  in  1816  received  the  degree  of  D.D. 


433  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

from  Columbia  College.  He  was  also  installed  pastor  of  the  church  at 
New  Brunswick,  but  indications  of  returning  disease  soon  compelled 
him  to  resign  and  to  give  his  entire  service  to  the  College.  He  was 
elected  Professor  of  Eccl.  History  and  Pastoral  Theology,  and  after  3 
years  service,  was  removed  by  death.  May  15,  18 18,  in  the  40th  year  of 
his  age. 

Of  his  professorial  qualifications,  Dr.  Livingston  wrote  at  the  time  to 
a  friend,  "  His  style  was  correct  and  pure,  and  he  made  such  progress  in 
the  official  branches  of  his  Professorship  that  his  lectures  upon  Ecclesi- 
astical History  and  Pastoral  Theology  were  highly  acceptable  and  very 
useful.  The  suavity  of  his  manners  and  the  propriety  of  his  conduct 
endeared  him  to  the  students,  and  recommended  him  to  the  respect  and 
affection  of  all  who  knew  him.  He  was  growing  into  extensive  useful- 
ness, and  had  he  lived  and  progressed  as  he  begun,  would  have  become 
a  treasure  to  the  Theological  College." 

Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  A.  Van  Vranken,  who  was  one  of  the  pupils  of  Dr.  S., 
thus  delineates  his  character :  "  My  opportunities  of  becoming  ac- 
quainted with  the  personal  and  private  character  of  Dr.  Schureman  were 
principally  confined  to  the  period  of  my  connection  with  the  Theological 
Seminary.  With  a  dignity  that  repelled  unbecoming  familiarity,  there 
was  a  benevolence  running  through  his  whole  manner,  which  invited  to 
all  the  freedom  that  would  be  deemed  compatible  with  the  circum- 
stances and  relations  of  the  parties.  In  the  family,  in  the  study,  at 
casual  meetings,  and  in  the  lecture  room,  the  same  benevolence  of  dis- 
position was  always  seen  in  striking  and  happy  prominence.  I  never 
knew  a  man  to  whom  the  thought  of  wounding  the  feelings  of  another 
would  occasion  greater  pain  ;  and  if  I  may  judge  from  the  known  and 
uniform  feelings  of  his  pupils,  none  could  be  more  completely  fortified 
against  rude  assaults  from  others. 

The  mind  of  Dr.  S.  was  solid  and  judicious  rather  than  brilliant.  He 
was  not  destitute  of  imagination.  Fine  passages  were  not  wanting  in 
his  compositions.  But  they  did  not  denote  the  characteristic  features 
of  the  writer's  mind.  Few  men  judged  more  correctly  of  the  value  of  a 
principle,  or  the  force  of  an  argument,  or  of  the  accuracy  of  a  distinction  ; 
few,  consequently,  were  in  less  danger  of  being  perplexed  by  the  intri- 
cacies, or  beguiled  by  the  fascinations  of  error;  viewing  things  in  their 
principles,  and  in  their  logical  relations  and  dependencies,  he  became,  of 
necessity,  a  man  of  system,  established,  settled,  grounded. 

In  the  grounds  of  his  religious  system  he  illustrated  the  correctness 
of  the  observation  that  the  heart  has  its  arguments  as  well  as  the  un- 
derstanding. Certainly  in  every  graciously  exercised  mind  humility  has 
its  arguments ;  and  trust  and  hope  and  love,  and  the  spirit  of  prayer 
and  of  adoption,  all  have  their  arguments.'and  they  bear  upon  the  pe- 
culiar truths  of  the  Bible,  with  a  power  like  that  of  consciousness  itself 
upon  an  ordinary  moral  subject.  Dr.  S.  received  these  truths,  not  only 
because  his  understanding  was  convinced  that  they  were  revealed  by  the 


APPENDIX.  433 

Holy  Ghost,  but  also  because  he  found  a  response  to  them  in  the  exer- 
cises of  his  own  heart.  That  divine  teaching,  the  first  lessons  of  which, 
there  is  reason  to  believe,  he  received  at  the  early  age  of  twelve  years, 
by  its  influences  upon  the  investigations  of  his  judicious  mind,  gave  a 
sacredness  to  his  conclusions,  and  added  to  the  strength  of  his  character 
as  an  able  minister  of  the  New  Testament. 

The  state  of  Ur.  S.'s  health  during  the  time  that  he  officiated  as  Vice- 
President  of  the  College  and  Professor  in  the  Seminar}',  while  it  did  not 
prevent  him  from  fully  attending  to  the  appropriate  duties  of  these  offi- 
ces, unfitted  him  for  public  speaking;  and  I  have  no  recollection  of  hav- 
ing heard  him  in  the  pulpit  while  I  was  connected  with  the  Institution. 
When  but  a  youth,  and  incapable  of  a  judgment  that  deserves  to  be  re- 
corded. I  attended  on  his  ministry  in  New  York ;  and  I  well  remember 
the  high  esteem  which  1  often  heard  expressed  for  his  character  as  a 
preacher,  by  those  whose  judgment,  education  and  experience  entitled 
their  opinion  to  much  consideration.  Such  of  his  manuscript  sermons 
as  I  have  seen  accord  well  with  the  general  character  of  his  mind,  as  I 
have  attempted  to  describe  it.  His  manner  was  modest,  deeply  solemn 
and  altogether  such  as  becomes  a  minister  of  the  gospel. 

To  say  that  he  was  a  man  of  extensive  reading  would  perhaps  be  un- 
warranted. His  career  was  but  a  short  one  ;  and  the  greater  part  of  his 
ministerial  life  was  occupied  with  charges  which  made  large  drafts  upon 
him  for  services  that  could  not  be  performed  in  the  study.  He  did  not 
enter  upon  the  duties  of  Vice  President  in  the  College  and  Professor  in 
the  Seminary  till  toward  the  close  of  his  life.  In  the  latter  department 
in  which  I  principally  knew  him.  he  gave  promise  of  fruit,  which,  had 
not  the  Master  called  him  so  soon,  would  have  greatly  enriched  the 
Church.  His  lectures  took  a  wide  range,  and  displayed  a  high  order  of 
analytic  talent,  which  eminently  fitted  him  for  the  business  of  theological 
instruction.  Although  his  pupils  were  favored  with  only  the  first  draft 
of  his  lectures,  prepared  in  a  short  time,  and  while  he  was  performing 
all  the  duties  of  presiding  officer  of  the  College,  they  received  them  with 
unqualified  satisfaction.  Had  his  life  been  prolonged  and  the  studies  of 
his  department  prosecuted  through  a  course  of  many  years,  as  they 
were  begun,  he  would  doubtless  have  become  as  eminent  for  his  learn- 
ing as  he  certainly  was  for  his  virtues." 

Spragiw's  Anna/s.  Berg's  Evangelical  Quarterly,  ii :  112.  Rev.  Dr. 
G.  LitdlcTuJ  in  Corwin's  Manual. 

REV.  JOHN  DE  WITT,  D.D. 

John  De  Witt  was  born  at  Catskill,  N.  Y.,  August,  1789.  He  was  a 
student  in  Union  College  three  years,  and  then  went  to  Princeton  Col- 
lege, from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1809.  While  a  student  in  the  law 
office  of  Peter  Van  Schaak,  at  Kinderhook,  he  became  converted,  and 
resolved  to  devote  himself  to  the  ministry.  He  studied  theology  with 
•28 


434  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

the  Rev.  Dr.  David  Porter,  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Catskill, 
by  whom  he  had  been  fitted  for  College.  He  was  licensed  by  the  Berk- 
shire Congregational  Association  in  1811,  and  in  181 2  was  ordained  as- 
sociate pastor  of  the  Congregational  Church  of  Lanesborough,  Mass.  In 
181 3  he  became  Collegiate  Pastor,  with  Rev.  Dr.  John  M.  Bradford,  of 
the  two  Dutch  Churches  of  Albany.  On  the  separation  of  these  two 
Churches  in  181 5,  he  became  the  pastor  of  the  Second  Church,  and  so  re- 
mained, until  in  1823  he  was  chosen  Professor  of  Biblical  Criticism, 
Church  History,  and  Pastoral  Theology  in  the  Seminary  at  New  Bruns- 
wick, and  in  1825  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  Belles  Lettres  in  Rutgers 
College.  After  serving  these  Institutions  eight  years,  he  died  on  the 
nth  of  October,  1831,  in  the  forty-second  year  of  his  age. 

"  I  regard  Dr.  De  Witt  as  one  of  the  ablest  professors  with  whom  I 
ever  came  in  contact.  If  his  professional  knowledge  was  not  great,  it 
was  nevertheless  sufficient  to  correct  and  guide  us  ;  while  endowed  with 
extraordinary  memory,  stored  with  information  upon  almost  all  sub- 
jects, with  a  vigorous  understanding,  with  a  brilliant  imagination,  with 
a  delicate  perception  of  beauty,  and  with  a  suggestive  faculty  which  I 
have  never  seen  equaled,  much  less  surpassed,  he  possessed  the  en- 
viable power  of  investing  with  interest  every  subject  which  he  touched, 
and  kindling  the  enthusiasm  of  his  pupils.  Few  were  the  recitations 
from  which  we  did  not  retire  with  our  minds  in  a  glow  of  admiration  at 
some  original  conception  of  the  text,  some  pertinent  and  striking  illus- 
tration, direct  or  analogical,  or  at  least  some  casual  remark,  imparting 
to  the  fact,  or  truth,  or  sentiment  under  consideration,  and  even  to  dry, 
grammatical  forms,  a  new  and  exciting  aspect. 

Dr.  De  Witt  was  extravagantly  fond  of  the  old  poets  and  pure  writers 
of  the  English  language,  from  Chaucer  down  to  Milton  and  Jeremy 
Taylor,  and  of  flowers.  One  of  the  former  was  scarcely  ever,  when  he 
was  in  his  study,  beyond  the  reach  of  his  hand  ;  and  one  of  the  latter, 
whether  he  was  at  home  or  abroad,  in  his  study,  in  the  street,  or  in  the 
lecture  room,  was  scarcely  ever  during  the  summer  season  absent  from 
his  hand,  or  a  button-hole  of  his  coat.  Pinks,  especially,  which  he 
reared  from  cuttings,  were  his  passion;  and  I  have  many  a  time  ob- 
served him  busy  as  a  bee,  and  humming  like  a  bee,  over  an  array  of 
inverted  tumblers,  that  might  have  furnished  the  dinner  table  of  a  very 
respectable  city  hotel.  When  he  had  succeeded  in  maturing  a  fine 
double  carnation  he  was  in  raptures — almost  in  an  ecstacy,  a  fury  of  sen- 
timent and  emotion. 

Of  the  piety  of  Dr.  De  Witt,  and  his  ability  as  a  preacher,  all  who 
knew  him  will  speak  in  terms  of  strong  commendation.  Of  a  joyous, 
happy  temperament,  his  religion,  as  a  serious  display,  was  less  demon- 
strative than  that  of  many  others  ;  but  no  one  could  doubt,  certainly  no 
one  intimately  connected  with  him,  the  sincerity  and  fervor  of  his  love 
for  Christ  and  his  cause.    In  conversation  with  him  on  the  subject  of  our 


APPENDIX.  435 

common  salvation,  and  especially  of  christian  experience,  I  have  often 
observed  his  voice  faltering  and  the  tear  trembling  in  his  eye. 

As  a  preacher,  he  was  excelled  by  few.  There  was,  indeed,  nothing 
remarkable  in  his  address.  Hearing  him  you  would  observe  that  his  at- 
titude was  dignified,  his  manner  unaffected  and  serious,  his  voice  strong 
and  agreeable,  and  his  enunciation  deliberate  and  distinct;  but  you 
might  regret,  perhaps,  that  he  was  so  closely  confined  to  his  notes,  since 
it  impaired  the  effect  of  his  manly  frame  and  noble  brow  ;  keeping  him, 
as  it  did,  too  much  of  the  time  in  a  stooping  posture,  and  confining  one 
hand  to  his  manuscript.  His  address,  however,  was  soon  forgotten  in 
the  superior  attractions  of  the  subject  and  its  handling.  No  man  could 
more  felicitously  introduce  his  proposition  and  divide  the  discussion,  or 
more  vigorously,  yet  simply,  conduct  the  argpament ;  and  few  approached 
him  in  the  aptness  and  originality  of  his  illustrations  and  the  purity  and 
precision  of  his  style.  I  always  heard  him  with  instruction  and  pleas- 
ure ;  and,  what  is  an  unerring  test  of  a  superior  mind  in  the  pulpit,  I 
never  heard  him  without  being  able  to  bear  away  with  me,  and  reconsider 
at  home,  the  larger  portion  of  his  discourse. 

.  "A  few  months  only  elapsed,  when,  having  been  chosen  to  supply  Dr. 
Ludlow's  place,  the  Rev.  John  De  Witt,  D.D.,  of  Albany,  came  among 
us,  truly  a  man  of  genius  and  finely  cultivated  taste  as  well  as  capital 
scholarly  attainments.  His  had  not  been  the  advantages  of  early  theo- 
logical culture,  as  those  now  enjoyed,  but  he  made  up  for  all  by  most 
assiduous  study  of  the  best  authors  and  critics  of  the  day. 

********* 

Dr.  De  Witt  soon  made  himself  felt  in  the  Seminary  and  in  the  town. 
He  was  a  most  animated  man,  and  infused  animation  and  energy  into 
whatever  he  undertook.  He  did  nothing,  as  we  say,  by  halves,  and 
would  have  every  man  like  himself.  He  seemed  to  catch  intuitively 
what  others  would  mine  out  by  hard  labor.  As  a  preacher  he  was  pol- 
ished in  his  whole  style  and  manner,  and  eloquent  and  pathetic.  While 
he  developed  a  subject  in  a  way  to  satisfy  the  intellect,  he  knew  how  to 
bring  it  home  to  the  heart.  One  of  the  best  defences  I  have  ever  heard 
of  the  Savior's  divinity  he  gave  in  his  pulpit  [First  Ref.  Ch.  New  Bruns- 
wick,] from  the  first  five  verses  of  John's  Gospel.  So,  too,  one  of  his 
most  moving,  practical  sermons  was  from  Hosea,  "Then  shall  we  know, 
if  we  follow  on  to  know  the  Lord."  It  has  always  been  to  me  a  matter 
of  wonder  that  a  volume  of  his  sermons  was  never  printed. 

There  was  one  form  of  service  he  performed,  in  an  addition  to  all  his 
other  duties,  which  was  highly  valued  ;  he  gave  special  attention  to  the 
Elocutionar)'  culture  of  students,  after  the  rules  of  Walker,  on  which  his 
own  delivery  was  formed. 

He  was  very  fond  of  nature.  To  him,  principally,  are  we  indebted  for 
the  fine  shade  trees  of  the  Campus  [Rutgers  College,]  as  well  as  for  the 
fine  floral  display  which  was  yearly  seen  and  admired  at  his  door.     He, 


436  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

too,  was  the  means  of  the  donation  of  what  was  known  as  the  Mrs. 
Chinn's  Library,  and  which  he  selected. 

One  personal  incident,  to  me  of  great  moment,  I  may  mention,  if  for  no 
other  reason  than  to  show  how  judicious  Christian  friends  may  benefit  a 
young  preacher.  We  were  on  intimate  terms.  One  day  he  said  to  me, 
"  Have  you  any  idea  of  how  you  preach  ?"  I  told  him  I  had  not,  and 
often  wished  to  hear  some  one  preach  as  I  did,  that  I  might  see  and 
hear  my  own  manner  and  correct  it.  He  asked  if  he  should  show  me.  I 
solicited  him  by  all  means,  for  I  knew  that  he  had  a  remarkable  power 
of  imitation.  He  gave  it  to  me,  and  it  was  the  most  valuable  lesson  of 
my  early  ministry  ;  it  altered  my  whole  manner  of  preaching  from  that 
day. 

Publications :  Discourse  on  the  Death  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Livingston> 
1825. — A  Sermon  on  Infant  Baptism. — The  Bible,  of  Divine  Origin,  a 
premium  tract. — A  Sermon  on  the  necessity  of  the  Atonement,  1830,  in 
Murray  St.  Lectures,  and  The  Scripture  Doctrine  of  Regeneration,. 
1832. 

REV.  SELAH  S.  WOODHULL,  D.D. 

Selah  Strong  Woodhull  was  born  in  the  city  of  New  York,  Aug.  4, 
1786,  and  was  graduated  from  Yale  College  in  1802,  at  the  age  of  16. 
He  began  the  study  of  law,  but  soon  relinquished  it  for  that  of  theol- 
ogy, under  the  direction  first  of  his  uncle.  Rev.  Dr.  John  Woodhull,  of 
Freehold,  N.  J.,  and  afterwards  of  Rev.  Dr.  Henry  Kollock,  at  Princeton, 
He  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  and  by 
the  same  body  he  was  ordained  to  the  ministry  and  installed  Pastor  of 
the  Presb3terian  Church  at  Boundbrook  in  1805.  After  a  ministry 
there  of  eleven  months,  he  accepted  a  call  to  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  In  18 14  he  held  for  a  time  the  office  of  Chap- 
lain in  the  Army  of  the  United  States,  in  connection  with  the  war  with 
Great  Britain.  From  1820  to  1825  he  was  Secretary  of  the  American 
Bible  Society  for  Domestic  Correspondence.  In  Sept.,  1825,  he  was 
elected  by  the  General  Synod  Prof,  of  Ecclesiastical  History  and  Pas- 
toral Theology.  He  was  also  appointed  Professor  of  Metaphysics  and 
Philosophy  of  the  Human  mind  in  Rutgers  College.  He  began  his  work 
at  New  Brunswick  in  November,  and  it  was  terminated  by  death  in  three 
months  from  that  time.  He  died  Feb.  27,  1826,  in  the  40th  year  of  his 
age. 

Rev.  Dr.  Cornelius  C.  Cuyler  says  :  "  Dr.  Woodhull  was  uncommonly 
favored  in  his  original  constitution.  He  was  easy  and  affable  in  his 
manner,  humane  and  generous  in  his  disposition,  cautious  in  forming 
his  opinions  and  purposes,  diligent  and  persevering  in  the  pursuit  of 
his  object — but  not  inordinately  elated  by  success  or  depressed  by  dis- 
appointment. 

As  a  friend,  he  was  kind  and  faithful.  You  might  rely  on  him  with 
confidence,  and  he  would  never  disappoint  your  expectations.     When 


APPENDIX.  437 

he  had  tried  you,  he  would  open  to  you  his  heart  with  the  utmost  free- 
dom. Few,  if  any,  who  ever  enjoyed  his  friendship,  subsequently  be- 
came alienated  from  him. 

His  mind  was  of  a  high  order.  His  judgment  was  sound  and  dis- 
criminating ;  his  perceptions  clear  and  vivid;  his  memory  retentive; 
his  taste  exact  and  delicate.  He  was  remarkable  for  his  regard  to  sys- 
tem, as  well  as  for  the  power  of  concentrating  his  faculties  on  any  sub- 
ject to  which  his  attention  was  directed. 

As  a  preacher,  he  was  eminently  instructive  and  methodical.  His 
manner  of  delivery  had  in  it  more  of  solemnitythan  animation.  He  was 
a  thorough  Calvinist,  and  his  views  of  Christian  doctrine  were  made 
quite  prominent  in  his  preaching. 

He  was  a  diligent  student,  and  his  attainments  in  classical  and  gen- 
eral literature,  in  science  and  theology,  were  highly  creditable,  not  only 
to  his  talents,  but  to  his  application.  He  was  familiarly  acquainted  with 
all  the  forms  and  details  of  busmess  in  every  department  in  which  he 
was  called  to  act.  As  a  Presiding  Officer  in  our  ecclesiastical  as- 
semblies particularly,  it  may  be  doubted  whether  he  had  his  superior  in 
his  denomination. 

You  may  judge  of  his  capacity  for  business  from  the  fact  that,  over 
and  above  his  pastoral  engagements,  his  diligence  in  study,  his  active 
concern  in  all  the  principal  affairs  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  he 
for  five  years  conducted,  with  great  ability  and  fidelity,  the  domestic 
correspondence  of  the  American  Bible  Society. 

As  a  Pastor,  he  was  attentive,  faithful  and  beloved.  Though  his  min- 
istry was  not  attended  by  any  remarkable  revival,  his  church  had  a  steady 
and  healthful  growth.  He  was  an  earnest  friend  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church,  with  which  he  was  more  immediately  connected,  but  still  had 
his  arms  always  open  to  welcome  all  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in 
sincerity.  Indeed,  he  was  a  fine  example,  not  only  of  charity,  but  of  all 
the  Christian  graces. 

In  person,  Dr.  Woodhull  scarcely  reached  the  medium  height;  his 
features  were  somewhat  prominent,  his  nose  inclining  a  little  to  the 
aquiline,  and  his  countenance  expressive  of  great  benevolence  and  fine 
intellect." — Spragiies  Annals. 

Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  M.  Strong  says :  Dr.  Woodhull  was  remarkable  for 
his  industry'.  He  was  always  engaged  in  business  pertaining  to  his  pro- 
fession, and  seemed  seldom  to  have  a  leisure  hour.  But  he  never  suf- 
fered his  work  to  drive  him,  never  allowed  himself  to  be  in  a  hurry. 
While  he  was  Secretary  of  the  American  Bible  Society  he  conducted  all 
the  correspondence,  and  not  unfrequently  had  all  his  letters  for  the  day 
written  before  breakfast.  Indeed,  his  death  may  be  ascribed,  in  a  great 
degree,  to  his  habit  of  severe  and  uninterrupted  occupation.  It  was  a 
favorite  object  with  him  to  have  his  lectures,  as  Professor  of  Church 
History',  Ecclesiastical  Government  and  Pastoral  Theology,  completed 
as  soon  as  possible ;  and,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  was  only  about 


438  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

four  months  after  his  appointment,  he  had  all  his  lectures  on  one,, 
if  not  more,  of  the  branches  on  which  he  was  to  give  instruction, 
ready  to  be  delivered.  He  was  a  man  of  great  decision  of 
character.  He  never  seemed  to  waver  in  his  opinion  or  pur- 
pose ;  if  his  mind  was  once  deliberately  made  up,  you  always  knew 
where  to  find  him  afterwards.  He  was  a  model  of  promptness  and 
punctuality,  He  was  most  conscientiously  exact  in  keeping  all  his  ap- 
pointments. No  one  could  ever  complain  of  having  lost  time  in  waiting 
for  him.  His  piety  was  deep  and  all-pervading,  but  not  ostentatious. 
Those  who  knew  most  of  the  economy  of  his  religious  life,  knew  that,, 
whatever  else  might  be  declined  or  postponed,  his  regular  seasons  for 
private  devotion  were  always  sacredly  observed.  Sometimes,  and  under 
certain  circumstances,  he  might  have  been  thought  stern  and  dictatorial, 
but  he  really  possessed  a  most  amiable  and  affectionate  disposition,  and 
whatever  of  apparent  sternness  there  may  have  been,  was  attributable 
to  his  unflinching  decision  in  all  matters  which  involved  important  prin- 
ciples or  results.  He  was  a  person  of  strong,  vigorous  intellect,  and 
sound  judgment.  As  a  counselor,  as  well  as  friend,  he  was  highly  es- 
teemed by  all  who  knew  him,  and  especially  by  those  with  whom  he  was 
in  more  intimate  relations.  By  his  fine  social  qualities  and  bland  and 
gentlemanly  manners,  he  made  himself  a  universal  favorite. 

In  executive  ability  he  had  few,  if  any,  superiors  in  the  Church.  In 
consequence  of  his  great  familiarity  with  financial  matters,  he  was 
chosen  by  the  General  Synod  a  member  of  their  Board  of  Corporation, 
and  held  the  place  to  the  close  of  his  life.  He  was  very  likely  to  be  ap- 
pointed on  committees  in  which  an  acquaintance  with  worldly  business 
was  required.  As  a  preacher  he  was  energetic  and  earnest,  pungent  and 
evangelical.  His  exposition  of  Scripture  was  at  once  simple,  lucid  and 
forceful.  His  delivery  was  graceful  and  attractive.  Though  he  used 
notes,  he  had  cultivated  the  habit  of  taking  in  sevei-al  lines  at  a  glance, 
so  that  many  of  his  hearers  supposed  that  he  was  preaching  either  mem- 
oriter  or  extempore. 

I  may  add  he  was  remarkable  for  his  perseverance.  He  was  not  easily 
turned  aside  from  any  pursuit  in  which  he  was  engaged,  or  any  object  to 
which  his  thoughts  or  efforts  had  been  seriously  directed.  If  he  were 
only  satisfied  that  he  was  moving  in  the  right  direction,  you  would  find 
him  still  moving  forward  against  all  obstacles  not  absolutely  insur- 
mountable." 

See  also  Mag.  R.  D.  C,  i  :  140,  233,  265,  269.  Evang.  Quar.  ii :  1 14.  Rev.. 
Dr.  G.  Ludlow  in  Corivitts  Manual. 

REV.  PHILIP  MILLEDOLER,  D.D. 
Bv  Rev.  D.  D.  Demarest,  D.D. 
The  parents  of  Philip  Milledoler  were  natives  of  the  Canton  of  Berne^ 
Switzerland,  and  residents  of  New  York  City.     On  the  occupation  of  the 


APPENDIX.  439 

city  by  the  British,  they  retired  to  Rhinebeck,  where  their  son  Philip 
was  born,  in  the  year  1775.  He  was  graduated  from  Columbia  Col- 
lege in  1793.  He  studied  Theology  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gross, 
pastor  of  the  German  Reformed  Church  in  Nassau  street,  of  which 
he  was  a  member.  He  was  ordained  to  the  ministry  by  the  German 
Reformed  Synod  in  1794,  and  became  the  successor  of  Dr.  Gross  as  pas- 
tor of  the  Nassau  Street  Church  in  1795.  I"  i^°o  he  accepted  a  call  to 
the  Pine  Street  Church,  Philadelphia,  and  continued  there  as  pastor 
for  five  years.  He  then  took  charge  of  the  Rutgers  Street  Presby- 
terian Church  in  New  York  City,  and  was  its  pastor  from  1S05  to  1813, 
when  he  accepted  a  call  to  the  Collegiate  Reformed  Dutch  Church.  He 
remained  with  this  Church  until  the  years  1825,  when  he  was  elected  by 
the  General  Synod  to  succeed  the  Rev.  Dr.  Livingston  as  Professor  of 
Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology  in  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New 
Brunswick.  He  was  at  the  same  time  elected  by  the  Trustees  of  Rut- 
gers College  President  of  that  Institution. 

Dr.  Milledoler  was  a  child  of  grace  from  his  earliest  years.  Conse- 
crated to  God  by  pious  parents,  he,  under  their  faithful  care,  grew  up  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord,  to  whose  service  he  gave  himself  wholly.  The 
people  among  whom  he  had  spent  his  childhood  and  youth  gave  a  rare 
proof  of  their  confidence  in  his  Christian  character  and  his  intellectual 
and  spiritual  qualifications  for  the  ministry,  by  calling  him,  when  he  was 
yet  in  his  minority,  to  be  their  spiritual  teacher  and  guide.  In  that  con- 
gregation, as  in  all  the  others  which  he  subsequently  served,  he  proved 
to  be  a  faithful  shepherd  and  a  workman  who  needed  not  to  be  ashamed. 
His  ministry  was  eminently  successful.  There  was  an  almost  constant 
revival  of  religion  in  the  Pine  Street  Church  of  Philadelphia  during  his 
connection  with  it.  He  was  moderator  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  ;  was  appointed  by  the  Presbyter}'  of  New  York  to 
instruct  students  in  Theology'  before  the  Seminary  at  Princeton  was 
established,  and  in  1820  he  declined  an  invitation  to  the  Professorship  of 
Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology  in  the  newly  established  Theological 
Seminary  of  the  German  Reformed  Church. 

Dr.  M.  was  remarkably  fitted  by  his  gifts  and  graces  for  the  pastoral 
office.  His  personal  appearance  in  the  pulpit  was  very  impressive.  As 
he  rose  before  his  audience  every  one  felt  that  a  man  of  God  with  a  mes- 
sage from  God  was  standing  before  him.  His  appearance  at  three-score, 
when  the  writer  first  knew  him,  was  venerable  without  the  least  sign  of 
decrepitude.  His  manner  in  the  pulpit  was  marked  by  perfect  propriety 
and  great  dignity.  The  spirit  of  reverence  controlled  and  directed  him 
in  every  part  of  the  services.  It  was  felt  in  his  handling  of  the  Bible  and 
the  Hymn  Book,  and  in  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures  and  the  Hymns. 
And  when  he  led  the  devotions  of  the  people  he  lifted  them  up  to  the 
throne  in  the  third  heavens.  Dr.  Sprague  says  :  "  I  saw  him  first  in  the 
summer  of  181 3,  while  I  was  a  student  in  College,  and  heard  him  preach 
in  the  Old  Dutch  Church  in  New  York,  which  has  since  been  turned 


440  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL 

into  a  Post-Office.  What  impressed  me  most  then,  and,  indeed,  ever 
afterwards  when  I  heard  him,  was  the  richness  and  fervor  of  his  prayers. 
His  sermon  was  an  excellent  one,  characterized  in  both  matter  and  man- 
ner by  great  unction  and  pathos  ;  but  his  prayers  seemed  to  me  the  most 
remarkable  devotional  exercise  that  I  had  ever  heard  from  mortal  lips. 
And  the  judgment  which  I  then  formed  of  him  in  this  respect,  was  fully 
sustained  by  every  prayer  that  I  heard  from  him  afterwards.  On  three 
different  public  occasions,  at  least,  I  remembc  to  have  heard  him  offer 
prayer  before  sermon  ;  and  in  each  case  I  could  imagine  nothing  more 
appropriate  or  impressive — there  was  no  appearance  of  premedita- 
tion— it  seemed  as  if  he  had  only  to  open  his  lips,  and  a  stream  of  the 
purest,  sublimest  devotion  came  gushing  out." 

"  Dr.  Mason  once  said  there  were  three  men  who  prayed  as  if  they 
were  immediately  inspired  from  heaven.  One  was  Rowland  Hill,  the 
other  was  a  certain  layman,  and  the  third  was  Dr.  Milledoler." 

"Such  prayers,  said  Dr.  Krebs,  as  his  I -never  heard.  They  subdued, 
they  rapt,  they  brought  you  into  the  presence  chamber  of  heaven, 
where  a  saint  was  pleading  and  a  child  of  God  was  holding  communion 
with  his  Father ;  and  a  sweet  awe  fell  upon  you  as  you  were  led  up  to 
the  Mercy-seat  and  saw  the  divine  Mediator  there,  and  the  propitiated 
Answerer  of  prayer.  It  was  once  said  to  me,  by  an  eminent  pastor  of 
this  city,  that  it  seemed  to  him  '  as  if  Dr.  Milledoler  had  been  given  to 
the  church  for  the  express  purpose  of  teaching  ministers  how  to 
pray.'  " — Spragues  Annals. 

His  preaching  was  exceedingly  rich  in  its  presentation  of  Gospel 
truth;  it  was  full  of  Christ,  pervaded  by  a  delightful  experimental  ele- 
ment and  spiritual  unction,  and  in  the  delivery  he  often  rose  to  great 
heights  of  eloquence.  His  preaching  was  adapted  to  instruct,  to  awaken 
and  console;  admirably  fitted  to  arouse  sinners  to  a  sense  of  their  con- 
dition, and  point  them  to  the  Savior;  and  so  his  success  in  bringing 
many  into  the  kingdom  is  not  to  be  wondered  at.  At  the  same  time  his 
sermons  were  so  enriched  with  the  fruits  of  Christian  experience,  that 
God's  people  were  greatly  edified,  strengthened  and  comforted  by  means 
of  them. 

As  a  Pastor  he  was  eminently  skillful  and  successful.  He  had  the 
confidence  of  all.  While  he  was  faithful  he  was  kind,  and  the  most 
timid  were  never  repelled  by  austerity  or  stiffness  of  manner.  "  And 
you,"  says  Dr.  Krebs,  "  already  gather  how  much  public  confidence  was 
attracted  by  his  gentle  dignity  and  courteousness,  his  paternal  manner, 
his  condescension  to  the  young  and  the  lowly,  his  sympathy  with  the 
sorrowful,  his  guileless  simplicity,  his  knowledge  and  love  of  Christ's 
Holy  Gospel,  and  his  discriminating,  solid,  judicious  and  persuasive 
preaching  and  conversation,  and  the  unmistakable  evidence  of  his  whole 
demeanor  everywhere,  in  all  circumstances,  that  he  walked  not  only 
humbly  but  intimately  with  God.  The  influence  of  his  ministry  remains 
upon  this  Church  [Rutgers  St.]  to  this  day,  in  its  conservative  character, 


APPENDIX.  441 

its  fervent  attachment  to  the  plain  truth  of  the  Gospel,  its  simple  and 
unostentatious  piety,  its  peace  and  love,  its  care  of  the  poor  and  needy, 
and  in  its  unheralded  plans  and  untrumpeted  labors  to  do  good." 

After  his  resignation  of  his  offices  of  Professor  in  the  Seminary  and 
President  of  Rutgers  College,  he  spent  the  remaining  seven  years  of 
his  life  in  the  family  of  his  son-in-law,  Hon.  James  W.  Beekman,  of  New 
York,  who  wrote  concerning  him  :  "  The  most  prominent  characteristic 
of  Dr.  Milledoler,  as  I  knew  him,  was  his  earnest  and  elevated  piety — a 
daily  looking  to  God,  not  merely  in  prayer  but  in  conversation.  His 
prayers  in  the  family  were  characterized  by  great  fervor,  tenderness  and 
affection  ;  he  seemed  to  be  addressing  a  most  loving  Father — to  be  im- 
pressed and  absorbed  by  the  milder  rather  than  the  more  terrible  attri- 
butes of  his  character.  But  while  his  thoughts  were  habitually  set  upon 
the  things  that  are  above,  the  tone  of  his  conversation  was  uniformly 
cheerful,  and  his  interest  in  passing  events  lively  and  intelligent. 
******  *  *  * 

I  think  of  him  as  a  venerable,  vigorous-minded  man  ;  strong,  yet  hum- 
ble ;  of  ardent  temperament  and  genial  spirit;  a  sage  whom  a  long  life 
of  diligent  study  and  labor  had  only  confirmed  in  all  that  was  good 
and  noble.  His  great  energy  had  often  reminded  me  of  Peter;  but 
his  gentle,  kindly  spirit  was  worthy  of  that  disciple  whom  Jesus 
loved." 

Dr.  Milledoler  died  on  the  Anniversary  of  his  birth-day,  Sep.  22d, 
1852,  aged  77  years.  His  wife  died  the  day  following.  The  funeral  ser- 
vices were  held  in  the  North  Dutch  Church,  corner  of  Fulton  and  Wil- 
liam Streets,  after  which  the  bodies  were  carried  to  their  resting-place 
in  Greenwood  Cemetery. 

See  J/5.  Me7noir  by  himself. — Mag.  R.D.C.  i :  366  ;  ii  :  8  ;  iii :  148.  Evan- 
gelical Quarterly,  ii:  116.  Sprague's  Annals.  McClintock  &=  Strong's 
Cyc.     Corwins'   Manual. — C/in.  Intell. 

Publications :  A  Disc,  before  a  Ladies'  Soc.  for  Relief  of  Widows  with 
small  children.  1806. — A  Sen  at  Install,  of  Rev.  J.  B.  Romeyn  in  Ce- 
dar St.  Ch..  N.  Y.  C.  1808. — A  Ser.  at  the  Ordination  of  Rev.  Gardiner 
Spring  in  Beekman  St.  Pres.  Ch.  1810. — A  Charge  to  Professor  Alex- 
ander and  the  Students  of  Divinity  at  Princeton.  1812. — Concio  ad  Cle- 
rum  :  a.  Ser.  at  the  Opening  of  the  Gen.  Synod,  Albany.  1823. — A  Ser.  at 
Hackensack,  by  appointment  of  Gen.  Synod,  before  the  Classis  of  Para- 
mus  and  a  Commission  of  the  Synod.  1824.  (This  relates  to  the  recent 
Secession.)— Address  at  Rutgers  Coll.  1827.  (Mag.  R.C.D.  iii:  148). — 
Address  before  the  Alumni  of  Columbia  Coll.  1828.— An  Address  to 
the  Graduates  of  Rutgers  Coll.  1831. — Letter  from,  in  Sprague's  Lec- 
tures on  Rezu'val  0/  Religion.  1832. — Address  at  Inaug.  of  Hon.  A.  B. 
Hasbrouck  as  Pres.  Rut.  Coll.  1840. — Dissertation  on  Incestuous  Mar- 
riage. 1843.-  Introduction  to  Currie's  Memoir  of  Sluyter.  1846. — Art. 
in  sprague's  Annals  on  Rev.  Dr.  J.  N.  Abeel. 


443  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

REV.  JAMES  SPENCER     CANNON,  D.D. 
By  Rev.  D.  D.  Demarest,  D.D. 

James  Spencer  Cannon,  the  son  of  William  Cannon,  a  sea  Captain, 
and  Ruth  P.  Spencer,  was  born  on  the  island  of  Curagoa,  Jan.  28th,  1776. 
Mrs.  Cannon  having  died  at  Baltimore,  Mr.  Cannon  placed  his  three  sons 
in  Dr.  Wilson's  Academy  at  Hackensack,  N.  J.  Shortly  after  this  the 
father  was  lost  at  sea,  and  then  Elias  Brevoort,  Esq.,  of  Hackensack,  be- 
friended James,  and  defrayed  the  entire  expense  of  his  education.  His 
brothers  died  in  their  youth. 

He  finished  his  preparatory  studies  with  Rev.  Alexander  Miller,  Dr. 
Wilson  having  left  Hackensack  for  the  Professorship  of  languages  in 
Columbia  College.  He  studied  theology  with  Dr.  Froeligh,  ending  with 
two  months  under  Dr.  Livingston.  He  was  licensed  by  the  Classis  of 
Hackensack  in  1796,  and  immediately  was  settled  as  pastor  of  the 
churches  of  Six  Mile  Run  and  Millstone,  and  he  served  the  two  congre- 
gations until  1807.  In  that  year  a  separation  was  effected  and  he  thence- 
forth was  pastor  of  the  Six  Mile  Run  Church  only.  He  continued  in 
this  relation  until  his  election  to  his  Professorship  in  the  Seminary  in 
1826.  He  was  Professor  of  Metaphysics  and  Philosophy  of  the  human 
mind  in  Rutgers  College,  during  the  entire  period  of  his  connection 
with  the  Theological  Seminary.  He  was  elected  a  Trustee  of  the  Col- 
lege in  i8ii,andthe  degree  of  D.D.  was  conferred  on  him  by  Union 
College  in  1819. 

For  some  months  before  his  death,  he  was,  on  account  of  an  affection 
of  the  throat,  unable  to  articulate  distinctly.  His  resignation  was  ac- 
cepted and  he  was  declared  Emeritus  in  June,  1852.  His  death  took 
place  July  25th,  1852.  His  wife,  who  was  a  daughter  of  Elias  Brevoort, 
his  early  benefactor,  had  gone  to  her  final  home  just  one  year  before. 

Dr.  Cannon  was  in  many  respects  a  man  of  mark.  He  was  favored 
with  a  splendid  physique,  was  tall  and  well-proportioned,  and  his  whole 
manner  and  bearing  were  dignified  and  impressive.  He  continued  to 
the  end  of  his  life  to  wear  the  dress  of  a  gentleman  of  the  old  school. 
He  was  courtly  in  his  manners  and  often  told  his  students  that  a  Chris- 
tian minister  should  have  the  manners  of  a  gentleman.  As  he  walked 
the  street  with  slow,  measured  step  and  calm  dignity,  the  attention  of 
all  beholders,  even  of  those  who  every  day  saw  him,  was  arrested,  and 
strangers  would  stop  and  follow  him  with  their  eyes  until  he  was  out  of 
sight.  In  his  intercourse  with  the  students  this  dignity  was  maintained 
though  he  was  ever  kind  and  affable,  and  his  lectures  were  frequently 
enlivened  by  the  apt  story  which  he  loved  to  tell,  no  less  than  the  stu- 
dents to  hear.  Nor  was  he  loath  to  turn  the  laugh  of  the  class  on  a  lazy 
member  who  was  struggling  to  make  a  recitation  under  the  difficulties 
incident  to  a  total  ignorance  of  the  subject. 

As  a  preacher.  Dr.  C.  stood  in  the  front  rank.  He  combined  many 
excellent  qualities.     His  sermons  were  always  clear,  thoroughly   pre- 


APPENDIX.  448 

pared,  strong  exhibitions  of  divine  truth.  They  were  carefully  written, 
and  delivered  memoriter  in  a  graceful  and  forcible  manner.  Often  have 
we  heard  the  old  people  of  Six  Mile  Run.  of  the  past  generation,  speak 
in  high  terms  of  the  preaching  of  Dom.  Cannon,  not  because  it  was 
great  or  eloquent  in  the  usual  sense  of  these  terms,  but  because  it  was  a 
wonderful  help  to  them  in  the  divine  life.  It  must  have  been  so,  for 
the  preaching  was  instructive,  searching,  discriminating,  experimental, 
practical,  and  thoroughly  evangelical.  He  well  understood  the  relations 
of  law  and  Gospel,  and  gave  the  former  its  due  place  in  his  preaching. 
Who  can  estimate  the  influence  of  such  preaching  continued  through  30 
successive  years  in  the  same  congregation,  or  the  blessing  of  growing  up 
under  it  from  childhood  to  manhood,  or  enjoying  it  from  manhood  to 
old  age  ? 

Furnished  with  a  vigorous  mind,  which  had  been  well  disciplined.  Dr. 
C,  without  neglecting  his  parochial  duties,  gave  himself  to  diligent 
study,  and  to  reading,  which  w^as  wide  and  extensive,  embracing  a  great 
variety  of  subjects.  While  mastering  old  and  standard  authors,  he  man- 
aged to  supply  himself  in  his  country  parsonage  with  new  books  as  they 
appeared.  He  read  with  pen  in  hand,  taking  copious  notes,  and  at  the 
same  time  laying  up  much  in  his  retentive  memory.  He  thus  came  to 
his  Professorial  chair  with  abundant  materials  at  his  command.  The 
students  were  not  wide  of  the  mark  when  they  labelled  him  "  Million  of 
facts,"  for  there  was  no  end  to  the  facts  that  he  brought  forth  from  his 
stores  for  their  benefit.  His  reading  embraced  the  political  history  of  his 
countr)-,  the  literature  of  the  day,  not  excluding  works  of  fiction,  and  the 
newspaper,  all  contributing  to  his  resources  for  the  Lecture  room. 
It  was  possible  for  the  careless  and  inattentive  students  to  sit  for  three 
years  under  his  instructions  with  little  profit,  for  he  was  not  a  driver  of 
the  laggard,  nor  a  severe  questioner,  but  on  the  other  hand  it  was  im- 
po>sible  for  the  conscientious  and  attentive  one  to  fail  to  receive  a  vast 
amount  of  valuable  information.  His  most  valuable  work  for  his  stu- 
dents was  undoubtedly  performed  in  the  Department  of  Pastoral 
Theology.  There  he  was  perfectly  at  home,  and  "  facile  princeps."  He 
had  exalted  views  of  the  pastoral  ofllice,  and  he  presented  and  enforced 
them  with  remarkable  solemnity  and  earnestness.  He  gave  the  students 
the  rich  results  of  experiences  gathered  during  a  successful  pastorate  of 
30  years.  These  were  embodied  in  numerous  judicious  maxims  and 
wise  counsels.  He  was  especially  happy  when  giving  counsel  about  the 
methods  of  dealing  with  the  various  classes  that  every  pastor  must 
meet.  He  urged  perfect  honesty  and  a  reliance  on  God's  truth  in  deal- 
ing with  all  classes  and  conditions  of  men,  and  was  severe  in  denuncia- 
tion of  all  tricks  and  questionable  agencies.  His  instructions  in  this 
department  were,  since  his  death,  published  in  the  noble  volume,  "  Lec- 
tures on  Pastoral  Theology,"  a  work  which  has  by  no  means  been 
superseded  by  any  of  the  later  excellent  books  on  the  subject. 

It  hardlv  need  be  said  that  he  was  an  excellent  pastor.     He  was  dili- 


444  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

gent  in  catechizing  and  family  visitation,  and  attentive  to  the  sick  and 
bereaved,  and  to  the  awakened  and  distressed  in  mind.  His  practical 
wisdom  was  proverbial,  and  many  a  difficulty  was  overcome  by  his  ready 
tact,  and  his  humorous  way  of  dealing  with  men  who  were  disposed  to  be 
troublesome.  His  last  days  were  days  of  great  weakness  and  suffering, 
but  the  clearness  and  force  of  his  intellect  were  not  diminished,  nor  his 
interest  in  all  things  pertaining  to  the  Kingdom  of  his  Redeemer.  He 
enjoyed  great  peace  and  calmly  awaited  the  summons  to  lay  down  his 
armor  as  a  good  soldier  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  "  I  have  kept  the 
faith,"  was  one  of  his  last  sayings. 

See  Sketch  by  Rev.  Dr.  Gabriel  Ludlow,  in  Corwin's  Manual :  Biog. 
sketch  prefixed  to  his  Past.  Theology;  Dr.  Proudfifs  sketch  in  Spra'gues 
Annals  ;  McClintock  and  Strong's  Cyclopedia  ;  Chn.  Int.  Feb.  8,  1852. 

Publicatiom :  Lectures  on  History  and  Chronology,  1834;  Sketch  of 
Rev.  Dr.  Ira  Condict  in  Sprague's  Annals ;  A  Fourth  of  July  oration, 
1815  ;  Sermon  on  a  Sacramental  occasion  (published  anonymously); 
Lectures  on  Pastoral  Theology,  8vo.,  pp.  617,  N.  Y.,  1853;  Address  at 
Inauguration  of  Prest.  Frelinghuysen,  1850. 

Reviews  of  his  Past.  Theology  :  New  Brunswick  Review  i  :  100 — Evan- 
gelical Quarterly  ii:  115 — Bibliotheca  Sac,  1854,  p.  420— Princeton  Rev., 
1854,  p.  139- 

REV.  SAMUEL  ALEXANDER  VAN  VRANKEN,  S.T.D. 
By  Rev.  W.  V.  V.  Mabon,  D.D. 

He  was  born  Feb.  17,  1791.  Entered  Union  College  and  remained 
through  the  junior  year.  Came  to  New  Brunswick  Seminary  in  1814. 
"Was  licensed  in  1S17.  Ordained  Pastor  of  the  churches  of  Middletown  and 
Freehold,  N.J. ,  1817.  Pastor  of  Freehold  1826-1834;  Poughkeepsie  1834- 
1837  ;  Broome  St.,  N.  Y.  City,  1 837-1 848.  Prof,  in  New  Brunswick 
Seminary  of  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology,  1841-1861.  Prof,  in 
Rutgers  College  of  Evidences  of  Christianity  and  Logic,  1844-1861. 
Trustee  of  Queens  College,  elected  18 19.  Received  the  degree  of  S.T.D. 
from  Columbia  College,  1836.     See  Corwins  Manual. 

He  was  married  first  to  Maria  Gansevoort,  daughter  of  Conrad  Ganse- 
voort  and  Elizabeth  Roseboom,  at  Schenectady,  in  1817.  She  died 
June,  1832. 

Again,  to  Frances,  daughter  of  Henry  Swift,  of  Poughkeepsie,  in  1835. 
She  died  in  1840. 

Again,  to  Mary  Bowdin,  in  1849,  who  surviv'es  at  this  date. 

He  survived  all  of  his  children  excepting  Frances,  wife  of  Rev.  John 
McClellan  Holmes,  D.D.  All  the  others  he  followed  to  the  grave,  and 
several  of  them  who  had  grown  to  adult  age. 

SKETCH. 

The  marked  endowments  of  Dr.  Van  Vranken  appear  to  have  been 
largely  inherited  from  both  parents. 


APPENDIX.  445 

His  mother,  Ruth  Comstock,  was  possessed  of  so  rare  an  intellect,  and 
such  a  decree  of  culture,  as  to  have  been  judged  capable  of  writing  as 
good  a  sermon  as  could  be  produced  by  her  husband.  She  belonged  to 
a  large  family  of  Friends  in  Saratoga  County,  in  the  State  of  New  York, 
and  one  of  the  sisters  was  a  preacher  among  the  Community.  One  of 
the  brothers,  Alexander  Comstock,  was  a  Methodist  clergyman.  An- 
other brother,  Oliver  Cromwell  Comstock,  was  for  seven  years  a  Rep- 
resentative in  the  U.  S.  Congress,  and  for  some  time  a  chaplain  to  the 
House. 

Her  father,  Adam  Comstock.  was  a  Senator,  for  twenty-two  years,  of 
the  State  of  New  York. 

The  father  of  Prof.  Van  Vranken,  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Van  Vranken. 
was  at  the  time  of  his  decease  (aged  forty-two  years)  pastor  of  the  three 
Reformed  Dutch  Churches  of  Fishkill,  Hopewell  and  New  Hackensack, 
in  Dutchess  County,  New  York.  He  had  studied  theology  at  his  native 
place,  Schenectady,  with  the  Rev.  Dirck  Romeyn,  and  before  going  to 
Dutchess  County  was  Master  of  the  Classical  Academy,  which  became 
incorporated  as  Union  College. 

The  popularity  and  efficiency  of  his  ministry  was  owing  in  no  small  meas- 
ure to  the  magnetism  of  his  manners,  joined  to  the  majesty  of  his  person. 
Owing  to  the  death  of  both  the  parents  of  Prof.  Van  Vranken  in  the 
prime  of  their  days,  the  orphan  family  was  earl}^  scattered.  At  the  age 
of  thirteen  Samuel  went  to  New  York  to  become  a  clerk  in  a  dry  goods 
house,  but  after  a  not  very  long  apprenticeship  was  recalled  to  Schenec- 
tady by  the  death  of  his  elder  brother,  James  Romeyn  Van  Vranken, 
just  one  month  from  the  time  for  taking  his  degree  in  Union  College, 
July,  1806.  He  was  too  late  for  the  funeral,  but  arrived  on  the  same 
day  towards  evening. 

Inconsolable  on  account  of  the  death  of  his  brother — a  brother  who 
had  dedicated  himself  to  the  ministry  of  the  gospel  in  his  father's  stead 
— Samuel  could  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  go  into  the  uncle's  house,  but 
spent  the  summer  night  alone  in  the  garden,  where  the  resolution  to 
place  himself  in  the  breach  made  by  his  father's  and  brother's  death,  was. 
taken. 

The  resolution  was  accomplished  in  due  time  by  his  ordination  as  Pas- 
tor of  the  two  churches  of  Middletown  and  Freehold,  in  Monmouth 
County,  New  Jersey,  in  the  year  1817.  But  the  result  was  not  reached  with- 
out many  embarrassments  of  means  and  delays  from  a  maternally  in- 
herited tendency  to  consumption. 

It  seemed  that  nature  had  endowed  him  too  liberally  with  largeness 
of  heart  and  fullness  of  circulation,  for  until  he  was  thirty  years  old  he 
was  subject  to  profuse  hemorrhages  of  the  lungs.  His  complexion  was 
florid,  hair  light,  eyes  blue,  and  person  absolutely  symmetrical.  He  was 
six  feet  high,  and  when  in  full  health,  weighed  two  hundred  and  four- 
teen pounds. 

In  his  many  domestic  afflictions  no  one  was  ever  more  sensitive  to  the 


446  CEXTENN'IAL   MEMORIAL. 

pangs  of  g^ef.  from  the  con\-ulsions  of  which  he  would  come  back  into 
the  dominant  condition  of  serene  and  joyous  life. 

His  friendships  were  ardent.  His  life-long  bosom  friend  was  Dr.  Lud- 
low, classmate  and  colleague — classmate  in  College  and  Seminar}- — and 
colleague  also  in  Seminar}-  and  College. 

With  the  laymen  of  his  various  pastoral  charges  his  friendships  were 
of  a  like  strength  and  endurance.     He  never  lost  a  friend. 

The  word  which  may  best  express  the  all  embracing  quality  of  his 
relative  life  is  geniality.  His  intellect  was  intuitional,  his  judgment 
direct  and  practical,  while  his  whole  mental  action  was  marked  bj'  a 
quick,  clear  genius,  rather  than  by  persistent  study. 

His  religious  life  was  genial,  spontaneous  and  experimental.  It  was 
whole  souled  in  its  penitential  believing  and  sympathetic  exercises,  and 
found  its  expression  in  these  qualities  of  his  preaching  and  his  pastoral 
intercourse. 

His  moral  sense  was  eminently  strong,  ha%'ing  in  abomination  eversthing 
deceitful  orimpure,  so  that  his  geniality  never  became  an  invitation  to  the 
approaches  of  the  evil-minded.  If  any  fault  could  be  found  by  the  cen- 
sorious, it  might  have  been  with  his  mirthfulness  ;  but  there  was  no  grit 
in  his  laughter  and  no  poison  in  his  wit.  But  whenever  it  might  be 
necessar}-  to  protect  himself  from  insolence  his  righteous  indignation 
was.  in  its  expression,  nothing  short  of  overwhelming. 

As  a  preacher,  he  was  more  distinguished  in  his  earlier  than  in  his  later 
life,  because  his  preaching  was  at  that  time  free  from  the  restraint  of 
reading  the  sermon. 

In  those  days  his  preparations  were  chiefly  mental,  while  engaged  in 
walking  the  floor  or  pacing  the  lawn  :  or  his  written  sermons  were  pro- 
nounced from  memor}-.  His  voice  was  pure  and  orotund,  and  of  great 
power,  adequately  convejnng  by  its  intonations  the  \'ariations  of  his  s\-m- 
pathetic  nature.  His  emotions  were  true,  and  his  life  consistent,  so  that 
the  attractions  of  his  pulpit  services  brought  stated  hearers  in  Mon- 
mouth County  from  great  distances,  and  some  not  less  than  fourteen 
miles. 

His  sermons  presented  both  doctrine  and  ethics  in  their  order  and 
relations.  The  doctrines  were  stated,  proved  and  illustrated,  and  the 
discourse  was  closed  with  the  application,  which  was  usually  made  to  the 
experience. 

His  sermon  on  Socinianism  was  considered  by  Dr.  McClelland,  a  ver\- 
competent  judge,  not  inferior  to  the  efforts  of  Massillon. 

His  best  sermons  were  preached  before  he  came  to  New  Brunswick 
to  occupy  the  chair  of  Systematic  Theolog}-. 

As  a  Professor  of  Theology  he  satisfied  the  Church,  which  is  saying 
much.  His  system  was  the  traditional  sj-stem  handed  down  by  Dr.  Liv- 
ingston from  L'trecht,  and  wrought  over  in  his  own  mind.  His  lectures 
are  free  from  novelty  and  speculation,  but  are  clear.  Scriptural  and  con- 
ser\a:ive. 


APPENDIX.  447 

The  statements  are  positive,  his  trumpet  giving  no  uncertain  sound. 
The  proofs  are  well  arranged  and  fortified  by  abundant  and  fitting  Scrip- 
ture reference.  No  man  ever  possessed  more  fully  the  confidence  and 
sympathy  of  his  pupils.  Reserved  the  church,  both  in  its  Seminar)-  and 
College  for  twenty  years,  and  died  in  the  harness,  on  New  Years  Day, 
1861.  As  we  came  from  the  funeral  a  stranger  who  was  present,  remarked 
"  He  had  the  burial  of  a  king." 

Sermon  at  his  Inau^.  as  Prof,  by  Rez\  Dr.  T.  E.  I  'ermilye.  Fun.  Ser. 
by  Rrc.  Dr.  Campbell.     Evan^.  Quart,  ii:  177. 

Publications :  The  Religious  Spirit  of  the  Age:  An  Address  at  An- 
niver.  of  Miss.  Soc.  R.  D.  C.  1829.  Ma^.  R.  D.  C,  iv :  102.  Socinian- 
ism  Subversive  of  Christianity,  i6mo..  pp.  64,  1841.  Whose  Children 
are  entitled  to  Baptism.  i6mo.,  pp.  135,  1841.  Sketch  of  Sermon 
preached  at  Ordination  of  Revs.  Mabon  and  Taylor.  1844,  in  Ch.  Int. 
Oct.  1844.  Address  at  Funeral  of  Dr.  Knox,  1858,  in  Knox  yfemorial. 
Art  in  Sprague's  Annals  on  Rev.  Dr.  John  Shureman. 

REV.  JOHN  LUDLOW,  D.D. 
John  Ludlow  was  bom  at  Acquackanonck,  N.  J.,  in  1793.  ^3^  g^du- 
ated  from  Union  College  in  18 14.  and  was  subsequently  a  tutor  in  that 
College  for  one  year.  He  meanwnile  studied  Theology-  with  Rev.  An- 
drew Yates,  and  afterwards  at  New  Brunswick ;  was  licensed  by  the 
Qassis  of  New  Brunswick  in  1817.  and  was  immediately  called  to  be  pas- 
tor of  the  Church  in  New  Brunswick.  Having  served  as  pastor  two 
years,  he  was,  in  1819,  appointed  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature  and 
Exrclesiastical  Histor\-.  He  resigned  in  1823,  and  became  p>astor  of  the 
Church  in  Albany,  where  he  continued  till  1834,  when  he  became  Pro- 
vost of  the  University  of  Pennsvlvania.  In  1852  he  was  elected  Profes- 
sor of  Ecclesiastical  History-  and  Church  Government,  and  he  continued 
in  it  until  his  death  in  1857.  During  that  time  he  was  also  Professor  of 
Metaphysics  and  Philosophy  of  the  Human  Mind  in  Rutgers  College. 
He  was  elected  a  Trustee  of  Rutgers  College  in  1819.  He  received  the 
degree  of  D.D.  from  Union  College,  and  of  LL.  D.  from  Rutgers  College 

in  1831. 

[From  Corunns  Manual. '\ 

His  most  striking  characteristic  was  strength.  His  person  was  strong. 
His  frame,  large,  firmly  knit  and  commanding,  rose  before  you  like  a 
column  on  which  no  ordinarj-  weight  of  public  burden  might  be  safelv 
laid.  His  countenance  was  strong.  The  lines  of  thought  and  decision 
were  deeply  traced,  his  eye  clear  and  almost  stem,  and  the  whole  ex- 
pression so  settled  and  firm,  even  in  his  fresh  years,  that  many  were  sur- 
prised when  his  age  was  announced  at  his  death,  because  they  could  not 
remember  him  ever  but  as  a  dignified,  ripe  man. 

His  voice  was  strong.  With  difficulty  he  restrained  it  from  what  in 
another  would  have  been  vociferousness ;  but  when  his  earnest  soul 
burst  through  such  caution,  its  tones  thundered  through  the  largest  edi- 


448  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

fice,  commanding  the  most  distant  hearer,  and  often  overpowering  those 
who  sat  nearer  to  the  pulpit.  No  one  who  looked  upon  him  and  heard 
his  Boanergic  eloquence,  doubted  his  strength. 

His  intellect  was  strong.  Culture  and  convictions  of  taste  smoothed 
some  of  his  ruggedness,  and  his  living  heart  pleaded  through  his  mas- 
sive sentences,  yet  neither  fancy  nor  grace  was  largely  found  in  his  qual- 
ities. But  his  grasp  was  vigorous,  his  logic  direct  and  determined,  crush- 
ing the  superficial  semblancy  of  sophistry  or  art ;  and  his  analysis  was 
more  like  a  sledge-hammer  wielded  by  an  arm  such  as  his  own,  dashing 
the  material  apart,  than  the  keen  dissection  of  a  subtle  wit.  He  was  im- 
patient of  all  between  him  and  the  truth,  but  the  truth,  when  he  reached 
it,  as  he  did  quickly,  he  held  fast  to  with  a  muscle  no  human  hand  could 
take  it  from. 

His  will  was  strong.  The  prompt  energy  of  his  convictions  and  the 
humility  with  which  he  obej'ed  well-ascertained  principles  made  him  de- 
termined, because  he  was  sure.  He  rarely  undertook  a  measure  in  which 
he  consented  to  fail ;  and  if  he  did  fail,  it  was  not  until  he  had  exhausted 
all  his  forces. 

His  affections  were  strong.  If  those  who  looked  on  his  muscular  frame 
and  hard  features,  or  heard  his  stentorian  voice,  or  were  beaten  down  by 
his  unadorned  argument,  or  strove  in  vain  against  his  inflexible  purpose 
thought  him  to  be  in  temper  harsh  and  in  spirit  unkindly,  they  knew  him 
not.  To  his  friends,  to  all  who  approached  him  in  social  life  or  sought 
his  counsel  or  sympathy,  he  was  gentle,  and  kind,  and  considerate.  The 
people  to  whom  he  ministered  in  his  several  charges,  or  in  occasional 
services,  found  a  well  of  sympathy  in  his  heart  for  all  their  troubles  and 
anxieties.  The  young  students  never  left  him  after  a  personal  interview 
for  advice,  or  even  rebuke,  without  a  sentiment  of  filial  gratitude  and 
esteem  ;  while  in  his  family,  as  a  host,  as  a  father,  as  a  husband,  his 
memory"  is  one  of  unmixed  love  and  tenderness,  and  most  watchful 
delicacy. 

When  such  a  man  came  under  genuine  religious  influences,  it  is  not 
surprising  that  he  should  be  strong  in  faith.  He  owned  no  authority  in 
doctrine  or  morals,  but  the  Word  of  God,  and  to  that  he  bowed  with  un- 
hesitating reverence  and  a  child-like  simplicity.  No  man  could  shrink 
more  than  he  did  from  mingling  his  own  prejudices  or  speculations  with 
the  pure  wisdom  from  on  high  ;  but  that  which  he  receiv^ed  on  the 
Divine  testimony,  he  frankly  professed,  earnestly  taught,  and  fearlessly 
adhered  to.  His  doctrinal  views  on  the  atonement  were  very  clear  and 
decided  ;  his  practical  apprehension  as  firm  and  cheerful.  He  spoke 
rarely  of  his  inner  experience,  and  then  with  unfeigned  humility  and 
thankfulness  for  the  grace  which  was  given  him.  His  theology  was 
very  grave,  resembling  nearly  that  of  the  most  evangelical  Reformers 
and  the  fathers  of  our  Reformed  Churches. 

So,  also,  was  he  strong  in  the  virtue  which  is  the  fruit  of  faith.  He 
loved  his  Master,  his  Master's  cross,  his  Master's  example  and  his  Mas- 


AP1'1:ND1X.  449 

ter's  will.  Therefore,  for  his  Master's  sake  did  he  love  all  men,  especi- 
ally the  household  of  faith.  His  truthfulness  was  remarkable.  He  was 
honest  as  the  day,  and  as  generous  as  he  was  honest.  He  chose  ever 
the  most  liberal  policy,  and  inclined  to  the  most  charitable  judgment. 
Hence  fidelity  in  his  duties  and  friendship  was  a  most  distinguishing 
trait  of  his  life  in  all  his  relations.  Practically  wise,  and  of  unusual 
foresight  in  calculating  contingencies,  he  was  one  of  the  best  of  coun- 
selors, though  sometimes  failing  through  his  unwillingness  to  think  evil 
of  men.  His  life  was  pure,  grave,  calm,  consistent  industrious  and  kind. 
He  was  vigorous  when  controversy  was  demanded,  and  resolute  in  urg- 
ing sound  policy,  despite  of  opposing  minds ;  and  he  could  not,  there- 
fore, avoid  some  rude  shocks  and  sharp  assaults. — See  Cotnmeviorative 
Sermons  by  Drs.  W.J.R.  Taylor, I.N.  WyckoffandG.  IV.  Beihtine.  Evan. 
Quarterly,  ii  :  117.     Also  Ser.  at  his  Install.  1823,  by  Dr.  A.  Yates. 

Publications  :  Address  at  his  Inauguration  as  Provost  of  University  Pa. 
1884. — Address  before  the  Albany  Female  Academy.     1834. 

REV.  ALEXANDER  McCLELLAND,    D.D. 
By  Rev.  T.  W.  Chambers,  D.D. 

Alexander  McClelland,  was  the  second  Professor  of  Biblical  Literature 
and  Oriental  Languages.  His  early  years  were  spent  in  northern  New 
York,  and  he  was  graduated  at  Union  College,  Schenectady,  in  1809.  He 
studied  Theology  at  first  in  Weston,  Pennsylvania,  with  the  Rev.  John 
Anderson,  D.D.,  to  w'hose  memory  he  paid  a  handsome  tribute,  to  be 
found  in  Sprague's  Annals  of  the  American  Pulpit,  vol.  ix.  Afterwards 
he  became  a  student  of  the  great  scholar  and  divine,  John  ^L  Mason, 
D.D.  In  181 5  he  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Associate  R.  Presbytery 
in  New  York,  and  in  the  course  of  the  same  year  he  was  installed  pastor 
of  the  Rutgers  Street  Presbyterian  Church.  Here  he  remained  for  seven 
years,  when  he  was  invited  by  his  old  instructor,  Dr.  Mason,  who  was 
now  President  of  Dickenson  College,  to  accompany  him  to  Carlisle,  Pa  , 
and  become  Professor  of  Metaphysics,  Logic  and  Rhetoric.  He  accept- 
ed the  position  and  retained  it  five  years,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  all 
concerned.  In  1829  he  resigned  it,  and  became  Professor  of  Languages 
in  Rutgers  College,  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.  After  three  years  of  efficient 
service,  he  was  chosen  by  the  General  Synod  of  the  Ref.  Prot.  Dutch 
Church  to  be  Professor  of  Bib.  Lit.  and  Oriental  Langs,  in  their  Theologi- 
cal Seminar)-.  This  he  accepted  with  pleasure  and  discharged  its  duties 
until  the  year  1851,  when  he  resigned  it,  and  crossed  the  ocean  to  recruit 
his  health,  which  had  become  somewhat  impaired  by  overwork.  After 
his  return  he  lived  quietly  at  New  Brunswick,  often  and  sorely  tried  by 
disease,  until  the  year  1864,  when  (Dec.  19)  he  entered  into  rest. 

As  a  preacher  Dr.  McClelland  had  a  very  high  reputation.  In  Rutgers 
street  he  followed  the  able  and  eloquent  Milledoler  without  suffering  in- 
jurious comparisons,  and  very  soon  came  to  be  ranked  among  the  fore- 
29 


450  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

most  pulpit  orators  of  his  day.  He  preached  the  old  Gospel,  but  with 
ever  new  freshness  and  force,  and  with  an  incisiveness,  point  and  power 
of  illustration  peculiar  to  himself.  He  was  a  careful  student  of  language 
and  knew  how  to  use  it  for  the  best  ends.  Much  was  due  to  the  bril- 
liancy of  his  flashing  eye,  the  manifold  resources  of  his  sonorous  voice,, 
and  the  naturalness  and  energy  of  his  whole  action  in  the  pulpit.  Ac- 
cording to  the  custom  of  that  period,  his  discourses  were  committed  to 
memory,  but  this  was  done  so  perfectly  that  there  was  no  conscious 
labor  in  recalling  them,  and  they  were  uttered  with  as  much  freedom  and 
fluency  as  if  born  of  the  moment.  He  illustrated  perfectly  the  ars  celare 
artem.  He  was,  clear,  connected  and  thorough  in  his  treatment  of  a 
subject,  sparing  no  pains  in  the  effort  to  master  its  whole  contents,  and 
then  to  arrange  and  present  it  in  the  most  suitable  way.  He  was  an 
adept  in  statement,  having  an  almost  instinctive  faculty  of  putting  the 
right  word  in  the  right  place.  Often  his  utterances  were  as  pregnant 
as  those  of  Bacon  in  his  Essays,  and  yet  by  no  means  obscure.  A  single 
sentence  condensed  a  lengthened  argument  into  a  few  words.  His  ex- 
tensive reading  furnished  him  with  a  range  of  illustration,  not  often 
equaled  in  breadth  and  appropriateness,  and  his  fine  imagination  gave 
him  a  singular  power  of  reproducing  the  past  and  the  remote  for  the 
present  impression  of  his  hearers.  His  topics  were  varied,  but  what- 
ever the  theme  the  arrangement  was  lucid,  the  argument  logical,  the 
style  clear  as  crystal,  and  the  main  point  kept  steadily  in  view,  while  at 
times  there  would  come  a  burst  of  eloquence  that  carried  the  whole  au- 
dience captive.  In  prayer  he  often  greatly  excelled.  He  was  thoroughly 
reverential  and  devout,  He  seemed  lifted  above  the  house  made  with 
hands,  and  msensible  to  all  things  save  the  spiritual  wants  of  himself 
and  his  people.  His  language  was  simple  and  unstudied,  but  appro- 
priate, and  his  matter  rich  and  comprehensive.  There  was  no  eloquence, 
no  attempt  at  display,  but  a  devoutness  of  tone  and  manner,  a  tender- 
ness, an  earnestness,  a  spirituality  which  left  nothing  to  desire.  He  who 
was  a  commanding  speaker  before  men,  became  a  little  child  before  God. 
As  Professor  at  Dickinson  College,  Dr.  McClelland  abundantly  justi- 
fied the  acumen  of  Dr.  Mason  in  securing  his  appointment.  The  field 
was  wide  but  he  filled  it  well.  In  that  day  Xant  was  hardly  known  on 
this  side  of  the  Atlantic,  and  the  Scottish  Philosophy  was  dominant. 
And  this  was  taught  with  great  precision  and  force,  more,  however,  I 
think,  as  a  mental  discipline  than  as  a  final  philosophy.  In  connection 
with  the  text-book  there  was  given  a  series  of  written  lectures  which 
seemed  to  their  hearers  to  combine  every  excellence  of  matter,  style  and 
delivery.  Their  fame  became  so  great  that  cultivated  people,  residing 
in  the  town  or  being  occasional  visitors,  sought  the  privilege  of  attend- 
ing, and  what  is  usually  considered  the  dryest  of  studies  came  to  be 
the  most  attractive.     Many  learned  to  say  with  Comus  : 

How  charming  is  Divine  Philosophy; 

Not  harsh  and  crabbed  as  dull  fools  suppose 

But  musical  as  is  Apollo's  lute. 


APPENDIX.  451 

The  young  men,  however  found  their  training  in  the  class-room  severe 
and  uncompromising.     Their  teacher  required  close  study  and  thorough 
preparation,  and  it  was  not  easy  to  deceive  or  elude  him.     His  business 
was  not  simply  to  impart  information,  but  to  see  that  it  was  received, 
appropriated  and  incorporated  with  the  student's  own   mental  stores. 
The  lesson  or  subject,  whatever  it  was,  must  be  mastered,  and  the  pupil 
be  able  to  give  its  substance  in  his  own  words,  in  due  order  and  without 
hesitation.     Thoroughness  was  insisted  upon  at  all  costs  and  hazards. 
And  not  a  few  then  and  there  first  learned  what  real  study  means,  first 
acquired  the  art  of  close  consecutive  thinking,  first  obtained  the  disci- 
pline which  makes  further  acquisitions  possible  and  useful.      Dr.  McC. 
had  able  colleagues  in  the  faculty,  but  no  one  of  them  so  impressed  him- 
self  upon  the   collegians  as  he  did.     Many  of  the  same  qualities  were 
shown  by  him  when  he  held  the  chair  of  Greek  and   Latin  in  Rutgers 
College.     Every  recitation  was  an  intellectual  stimulant.     Nothing  per- 
functory or  superficial  was  allowed.     In  each  case  the  student  was  made 
to  touch  bottom.     Attempts  at  evasion  or  obvious  lack  of  study  were 
met  by  a  storm  of  invective  or  by  a  stroke  of  sarcasm  that  cut  to  the 
bone.     The  process  was  not  a  pleasant  one,  and  sometimes  the  careful 
as  well  as  the  careless  were  smitten  as  if  with  a  rod.     But  on  the  whole 
the  results  justified  the  teacher.     Unfortunately  the  stage  of  classical 
study  at  that  period  was  so  little  advanced  that  there  was  small  oppor- 
tunity of  rising  from  philology  to  literary  criticism.     Occasional  prelec- 
tions only  showed  what  might  have  been  done  had  the  classes  enjoyed  a 
longer  or  more  thorough  preparation. 

But  in  the  exegetical  chair  of  the  Seminary  the  Professor's  gift  of 
teaching  was  most  largely  and  effectively  exercised.  The  classes  not 
being  large,  the  personal  dealing  with  each  member  was  direct  and  con- 
stant. The  result  was  that  no  man  left  the  Institution  without  being 
well  grounded  in  the  elements  of  Hebrew.  Not  so  much  could  be  done 
in  Greek,  because,  as  Dr.  McClelland  often  complained,  the  College  in- 
struction in  this  language  had  been  so  generally  inadequate  and  care- 
less, and  deficiences  could  not  well  be  made  up  after  entering  the  Semi- 
nary. In  exegesis  the  Professor  displayed  very  great  ability.  He  en- 
tered upon  the  work  in  the  maturity  of  his  powers,  after  long  and  varied 
exercise  in  collateral  studies.  Exceedingly  well  read  in  the  Greek  and 
Latin  classics,  he  came  to  the  sacred  books  with  a  holy  ardor  and  enthu- 
siasm, rejoicing  that  the  remainder  of  his  life  was  to  be  spent  in  the  in- 
vestigation of  the  Living  Oracles.  He  was  in  profound  sympathy  with 
their  claims  and  objects.  His  faith  in  the  Bible  never  wavered  for  even 
an  instant,  and  he  could  conceive  no  greater  gratification  than  that  of 
ascertaining  the  precise  mind  oi  the  Spirit.  His  reverence  for  the  Word 
was  profound  and  constant,  and  was  very  manifest  when  he  was  called  to 
read  it  in  public.  He  did  this  with  great  effect  in  an  elocutionary  point 
of  view,  using  tone  and  emphasis  to  bring  out  the  full  and  exact  mean- 
ing, but  always  in  such  a  manner  as  to  show  that  he  felt  that  he  was 


453  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

handling  the  Oracles  of  the  Living  God.  His  exegetical  lectures  were 
all  instructive  and  stimulating,  but  never  more  so  than  when  comment- 
ing upon  the  profound  reasonings  of  the  Apostle  to  the  Gentiles  or 
the  soaring  eloquence  of  the  evangelical  prophet,  His  own  genius  was 
kindled  by  contact  with  these  great  masters  of  speech,  and  it  was  impos- 
sible that  the  glow  should  not  communicate  itself  to  those  who  sat  under 
his  instruction.  Such  prelections  were  a  grateful  relief  to  the  "  dull 
grind,"  as  it  is  called,  of  etymology  and  syntax.  For  he  took  with  him 
into  the  Seminary  the  same  inexorable  severity  which  he  had  been 
accustomed  to  use  in  the  College.  The  students  were  older  indeed  and 
were  present  of  their  own  choice,  yet  still  not  a  few  of  them  considered 
Hebrew  roots  the  dryest  of  all  things,  and  studied  them  only  as  an  un- 
pleasant necessity.  It  was  requisite,  therefore,  that  some  outside  influ- 
ence should  be  added.  It  was  added,  and  often  unsparingly.  The  con- 
sequences are  seen  in  the  ministry  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  to-day,  for 
the  example  cf  Dr.  McClelland  (without  his  tartness)  was  followed  by 
his  successors  in  the  same  chair,  and  honest,  faithful  work  has  charac- 
terized it  for  more  than  one  generation. 

Dr.  McClelland  left  little  behind  him  in  the  way  of  print — only  one  or 
two  sermons  and  a  brief  Manual  of  Interpretation.  His  best  memorial 
is  the  influence  he  exerted  upon  scores,  hundreds  of  young  men,  teach- 
ing them  how  to  make  the  most  of  themselves  for  God  and  their  fellow- 
men,  training  them  to  habits  of  accuracy  and  intellectual  honesty,  and 
fitting  them  in  turn  to  mould  others  after  the  same  lofty  pattern.  In 
this  point  of  view  he  will  be  perpetuated  to  the  end  of  time.  Each  suc- 
cessive generation  will  produce  some  at  least  whose  character  may  be 
traced  back  through  various  intermediate  stages  to  the  lessons  given  in 
the  Biblical  chair  at  New  Brunswick.  He  had  broken  health  and  many 
infirmities  to  contend  with  through  life,  yet  he  accomplished  a  work 
such  as  it  is  given  few  men  to  do.  Not  a  few  of  those  who  once 
squirmed  under  his  lash  never  now  recall  his  name  without  uttering  a 
grateful  benediction  upon  his  memory. 

See  Mag.  R.  D.C.'w  310;  ii:  19,  23,  45.  Sketch  of  Life  prefixed  to  a 
vol.  of  his  Sermons.  Fourteen  articles,  "  Reminiscenses  of  Dr.  McClel- 
land," by  Dr.  Chambers,  in  Christian  hit.,  begitining  fan.  11,  1872.  Mc- 
Clintock's  Cyc.  Fun.  Ser.  by  Rev.  Dr.  Gordon.  Publications:  Vindica- 
tion of  the  Religious  Spirit  of  the  Age.  1820.  (Also  printed  in  Ebaugh's 
"Heavenly  Ince?ise.") — The  Marriage  Question.  Doctrine  of  Incest. 
1826.  2d  ed.  1827.  (This  was  also  pub.  in  part,  under  pseudonym  "  Do- 
mesticus,"  in  Mag.  R.  D.  C.  i:  310.  Reviewed,  Mag.  R.  D.  C.  ii:  19,  23, 
45.) — Spiritual  Renovation  Connected  with  the  Use  of  Means.  In  two 
parts.  1834. — Plea  for  a  Standing  Ministry,  Ps.  Ixxiv:  9.  (Printed  also  in 
Ebaugh's  "  Heavenly  Incettse.") — Manual  of  Sacred  Interpretation. 
i8mo,  pp.  168.  1842.  Second  ed.  called  Canon  and  Interpretation  of 
Scripture.  18 — .  {Stc  Princeton  Rev.  xx\\.  2,Z1-) — A  Volume  of  Sermons. 
Posthumous.     1867.     {Princeton  Rev.  xxxix.  318.) 


APPENDIX.  453 

REV.  JOSEPH    F.  BERG.  D.D. 
By  Rev.  D.  D.  Demarest,  D.D. 

Joseph  F.  Berg  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Christian  Frederick  Berg,  of  Den- 
mark, and  Hannah  Tempest,  his  wife,  of  England,  Moravian  missionaries 
of  Antigua,  W.  I.  He  was  born  at  Grace  Hill,  on  that  island,  June  3, 
1812.  When  four  years  of  age  he  was  taken  to  the  Moravian  institution 
at  Fulnic,  in  England,  and  remained  there  until  1825,  when  he  was 
brought  to  the  United  States  and  placed  in  the  Moravian  school  at 
Nazareth,  Pa.  At  the  age  of  17  he  was  made  teacher  of  chemistry  in 
that  institution.  He,  at  the  same  time,  pursued  his  theological  studies 
and  was  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel  at  the  age  of  19.  He,  however, 
did  not  enter  the  ministry  until  Oct.  2d,  1835,  when  he  was  ordained  and 
installed  pastor  of  the  Ger.  Reformed  Church,  of  Harrisburg,  where  he 
continued  two  years,  when,  after  declining  the  Prof,  of  Greek  and  Latin  in 
Mercersburg  College,  he  accepted  a  call  to  the  Race  St.  Ger.  Ref.  Church 
of  Philadelphia,  and  served  it  as  pastor  for  15  years.  During  this  period 
the  controversy  about  the  Mercersburg  Theology  sprang  up  and  was 
warmly  carried  on  in  the  Ger.  Reformed  Church,  and  he  took  an  active 
part  in  it,  and  was,  in  fact,  the  leader  of  the  opposition.  Wearied  with 
efforts  which  he  made  almost  single  handed,  and  which  seemed  to  be 
unavailing,  he  sought  for  rest  in  the  Ref.  (Dutchj  Church.  The  Second 
Church,  of  Philadelphia,  which  had  for  a  long  time  maintained  its  cor- 
porate existence,  only  for  the  sake  of  caring  for  a  fund  of  a  few  thousand 
dollars,  was  now  resuscitated  and  taken  charge  of  by  Dr.  Berg,  and  to  it 
many  of  the  Race  St.  people,  who  sympathised  with  their  pastor,  joined 
themselves.  After  having  served  this  church  nine  years,  he  was,  after 
the  death  of  Prof.  Van  Vranken,  elected  to  the  Professorship  of  Didac- 
tic and  Polemic  Theology  in  1861.  He  was  also  professor  of  the  Evi- 
dences of  Christianity,  in  Rutgers  College,  from  1862  to  1867. 

Dr.  Berg  was  remarkable  not  only  for  the  early  development  and 
maturity  of  his  powers,  but  for  their  versatility.  He  was  able  to  turn 
readily  from  one  class  of  studies  to  another,  and  with  astonishing 
facility,  obtained  a  fair  knowledge  of  branches  that  were  so  opposite 
that  it  seemed  impossible  that  the  same  man  should  master  both.  His 
memory  was  both  retentive  and  ready.  Large  stores  of  knowledge  on 
all  subjects  were  always  at  his  command,  and  his  facility  of  expression 
was  equal  to  that  of  acquisition,  or  to  his  power  of  retention.  He 
taught  chemistry  and  preached  when  a  boy.  He  was  elected  Professor 
of  Greek  and  Latin  in  early  manhood.  He  was  familiar  with  Hebrew, 
He  could  not  only  read  French  and  German,  but  could  converse  with 
perfect  ease  in  those  languages,  and,  in  fact,  the  latter  was  as  much  at 
his  command  as  his  native  English.  He  told  the  writer  that  at  one 
time  he  had  taught  Spanish.  While  pastor  of  the  Race  St.  Church,  he 
pursued  a  full  regular  course  of  medical  studies,  and  received  the  degree 
of  ^^D.  from  the  Jefferson  Medical  College. 


454  CENTENNIAL    MEMORIAL. 

As  a  preacher  he  was  always  serious,  instructive,  practical  and 
thoroughly  evangelical.  It  is  said  that  when  he  was  in  his  prime,  and 
preached  without  manuscript  to  his  own  people,  he  was  often  very 
powerful,  and  rose  to  sublime  heights  of  eloquence.  He  was  very  ready 
in  debate,  and  while  he  did  not  court  controversy  for  its  own  sake,  he 
did  not  decline  it,  when  he  felt  summoned  to  defend  truth,  or  to  expose 
error,  either  by  the  voice  or  pen. 

When  a  notorious  infidel  from  England,  Geo.  Barker,  boldly  chal- 
lenged all  the  ministers  in  Philadelphia  to  meet  him  in  a  public  discus- 
sion on  the  inspiration  of  the  Scriptures,  Dr.  Berg  was  importuned  by 
them  to  be  their  champion.  And  nobly  did  he  succeed  in  silencing  his 
antagonist  and  causing  him  to  withdraw  from  the  field.  Dr.  Berg  was 
perfectly  familiar  with  every  part  of  the  field  of  which  his  antagonist 
had  any  knowledge.  He  was  able  to  meet  him,  and  was  more  than  a 
match  for  him  at  every  turn.  The  victory  was  universally  admitted  to 
be  with  Dr.  Berg.  Wonderful  to  tell,  Mr.  Barker  was,  after  his  return 
to  England,  under  the  enlightening  influences  of  the  Spirit,  using  prob- 
ably the  argument  of  Dr.  Berg,  which  had  confounded  him,  converted 
of  the  truth  of  Christianity,  made  a  profession  of  his  faith,  and  expressed 
his  determination  to  devote  the  remainder  of  his  life  to  the  preaching 
of  the  truths  which  he  had  opposed.  He  stated  this  in  a  letter  which 
he  wrote  to  a  gentleman  in  Philadelphia,  which  was  published  at  the 
time. 

Dr.  B.  was  greatly  interested  in  the  study  of  Popery,  which  he  regarded 
as  the  enemy  of  true  Christianity,  and  a  foe  to  civil  and  religious 
liberty.  For  several  years  he  edited  the  Protestant  Quarterly  Re- 
view, in  which  are  contained  many  articles  of  great  value  in  the 
Romish  Controversy.  He  was  well  read  in  the  history  of  that  Church, 
and  felt  that  enlightenment  on  the  subject  was  greatly  needed  in  this 
country. 

He  must  have  succeeded  admirably  as  a  pastor,  for  he  had  winning 
ways  with  the  people.  His  feelings  were  easily  touched,  and  his 
sympathies  went  forth  spontaneously  to  those  who  were  in  trou- 
ble. In  ordinary  intercourse  he  was  most  genial,  the  life  of  a 
company,  abundant  in  anecdotes,  which  were  always  at  his  com- 
mand. 

He  was  a  man  of  great  capacity  for  work,  facility  in  performing  it,  and 
endurance  in  continuing  at  it.  His  pen  was  always  at  work.  He  made 
books  not  a  few.  He  wrote  at  one  time  for  nearly  a  score  of  papers, 
periodicals,  etc.,  and  on  all  sorts  of  subjects,  from  the  high  themes  of 
theology  down  to  the  details  of  farm  life.  He  was  impatient  of  review- 
ing, correcting,  or  rewriting.  He  finished  his  subject  while  at  it,  and 
passed  on  to  something  else,  and  it  was  a  marvel  to  those  who  could 
not  work  satisfactorily  in  that  way  how  well  his  work  was  done.  As  a 
theologian,  he  was  able,  sound  and  well-read.  His  students  bear  testi- 
mony to  his  fidelity  and  ability.     He  was  among  them  as  a  companion. 


APPENDIX.  455 

His  lectures  were  not  seldom  enlivened  by  some  apt  story  told  in  a  man- 
ner that  caused  laughter  to  resound  through  the  Halls,  which  some 
would  think  hardly  in  accord  with  the  severe  dignity  and  solemn  pro- 
priety becoming  the  lecture  room  of  a  Professor  of  Sacred  Theology. 
After  months  of  gradually  declining  health,  he  at  last  peacefully  entered 
into  his  rest,  on  the  20th  of  July,  1871,  and  his  body  was.  with  the  tears 
of  his  former  parishioners,  deposited  in  its  last  resting  place  in  Laurel 
Hill  Cemetery,  Philadelphia,  to  await  the  resurrection  of  the  redeemed 
of  the  Lord. — See.  C/ir.  Inl. 

Publications.  The  Tree  and  its  Fruits.  1837.  Ancient  Landmarks.  1838. 
Christian  Landmarks,  or  Centenary  of  G.  R.  C.  Phil.  1840.  The  House  of 
God  and  the  Family  Altar.  1840.  Lectures  on  Romanism.  1840.  Several 
editions — The  Confessional.  1841.— Papal  Rome.  1841. — Series  of  Pam- 
phlets, pub.  anonymously,  entitled  "  A  Voice  from  Rome,"  "  Rome's 
Policy  towards  the  Bible,"  "  The  Pope  and  the  Presbyterians."  1844; 
many  thousands  sold. — History  of  the  Holy  Robe  of  Treves. — 18  .  .  . — 
Oral  Controversy  with  a  Catholic  Priest.  1843. — The  Old  Paths  ;  or,  A 
Sketch  of  the  Order  and  Disc,  of  the  Ref.  Ch.  before  the  Reformation. 
1845. — A  Plea  for  the  Divine  Law  against  Murder.  1846. — Mysteries 
of  the  Inquisition,  etc.  1846. — Reply  to  Archbishop  Hughes  on  the  Doc- 
trines of  Prots.  1850.  (More  than  150,000  copies  sold.) — Expose  of  the 
Jesuits.  18.  .  . — The  Inquisition. — Church  and  State  ;  or,  Rome's  In- 
fluence upon  the  Civil  and  Relig.  Instit.  of  our  Country.  A  Prize  Essay. 
1851.— Jehovah  Nissi  ;  or.  Farewell  Words  to  ist  G.  R.  Ch.  Phil.  1852. 
Vindication  of  the  Farewell  Words.  1852. — The  Bible  vmdicated  against 
the  Aspersions  of  Jos.  Barker.  1854. — Translation  of  Dens'  Moral 
Theology.  1842.  2d  ed,  1856. — Prophecy  and  the  Times;  or,  England 
and  Armageddon.  1856. — The  Stone  and  the  Image  ;  or.  The  Am.  Re- 
public, the  Bane  and  Ruin  of  Despotism  :  an  Exposition  of  the  Fifth 
Kingdom  of  Daniel's  Proph.  1856. — The  Saint's  Harp;  or,  Hymns  and 
Spiritual  Songs.  18... — Abaddon  and  Mahanaim  ;  or,  Demons  and 
Guardian  Angels.  1856. — Cause  and  Cure  of  Financial  Distress.  1857. 
— The  Olive  Branch  ;  a  Conservative  view  of  Slavery-.  1857. — Loyalty  ; 
•or,  Christian  Obligation.  1859. — Paganism,  Popery  and  Christianity; 
or,  The  Blessings  of  an  Open  Bible.— The  Second  Advent  of  Christ  not 
Pre-millennial.  1859. — The  Evangelical  Quarterly,  3  vols.  1860-2.  (No. 
4  of  vol.  3  never  pub.) — Valedictory  Ser.  before  the  Students  of  Rutgers 
College.  1862. — Hist,  and  Lit.  of  Heid.  Catechism,  and  its  Introduction 
into  the  Netherlands.  A  Translation  of  Von.  Alpen.  1863.  (This 
was  also  pub.  in  Evan.  Quarterly.) — System  of  Didactic  Theology. 
In  MS. 

Besides  the  above,  he  published  books  for  children.  Bobbie,  the 
Schoolmaster. — Children's  Stories  :  translations  from  Van  Home  and 
the  French. — Scripture  Hist,  of  Idolatry. — a  Series  of  Six  Books  for. 
Children. — Winter  Evenings  at  Home.-  -The  Squirrel  Hunt,  etc.,  etc. 
Newspaper  articles  are  omitted. 


456  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

REV.  ABRAHAM  B.  VAN  ZANDT,  D.D.,  L.L.D. 
By  Rev.  John  A.  De  Baun,  D.D. 

Professor  Abraham  B.  Van  Zandt,  D.D.,  L.L.D. ,  was  born  in  Albany 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1816.  His  parents  were  of  the  old  Holland  stock  who  so 
early  made  that  region  a  strong-hold  of  civilization  and  evangelical  piety. 
He  was  one  of  a  numerous  family  of  children,  and  because  in  strait- 
ened circumstances,  was  early  apprenticed  to  a  mechanical  trade.  In 
the  mean  time,  however,  an  older  brother,  Benjamin,  had  managed  by 
industry,  frugality,  and  consecrated  determination,  to  secure  for  himself 
a  collegiate  and  theological  education,  and  seeing  the  same  spirit  and  the 
same  desire  for  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  this  younger  brother,  to- 
gether with  the  promise  of  special  talent,  he  encouraged  and  helped 
him  to  follow  in  the  same  course.  So  it  came  that  Abraham  was 
graduated  from  Union  College  in  1840,  and  from  Princeton  Theo- 
logical Seminary  in  1842.  In  that  same  year  he  was  ordained 
pastor  of  the  Church  of  Matteawan,  N.  Y.,  by  the  Presbytery  of 
North  River. 

Here  he  began  immediately  to  prosecute  his  work  with  such  marked 
ability  that  the  attention  of  other  churches  was  awakened,  and  the  Re- 
formed Church  of  Newburgh  gladly  secured  his  services  that  same  year. 
With  this  church  he  remained  six  years,  laboring  with  great  zeal  and 
fidelity,  and  becoming  known  far  and  wide  as  an  eloquent  preacher,  and 
a  student  of  scholarly  attainments.  In  1848  he  was  called  to  the  pastor- 
ate of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Petersburgh,  Va.,  where  his  reputa- 
tion grew  apace,  and  where  he  formed  personal  and  social  attachments 
which  were  ever  most  dear  to  him  and  his  family,  and  were  maintained 
to  the  end  of  his  life.  But  then  and  ever  his  heart  and  his  efforts  were 
first  and  fully  for  Christ  and  His  Church  ;  and  he  was  constantly  seeking 
to  do  better  and  better  service.  That  his  abilities  were  appreciated 
there,  is  evident  enough  from  the  fact  that  when  a  series  of  lectures  on 
the  evidences  of  Christianity  was  delivered  before  the  University  of  Vir- 
ginia in  1850-1,  by  such  men  as  Drs.  Plumer,  McGill,  James  W.  Alex- 
ander, Hoge,  Robert  J.  Breckenbridge,  Stuart  Robinson,  and  N.  L.  Rice, 
the  young  Petersburgh  pastor  was  invited  to  give  the  second  of  the 
course.  The  topic  assigned  him  was  "  The  Necessity  of  a  Revelation  ; 
and  the  condition  of  man  without  it;"  and  he  acquitted  himself  so  well 
that  thenceforth  he  held  an  honored  place  among  the  foremost  preach- 
ers and  scholars  of  the  Southern  section  of  the  church.  The  degree 
of  Doctor  of  Divinity  was  conferred  on  him  by  Hampden  Sidney 
College,  in  1853. 

The  Central  (Ninth  St.)  Church,  New  York  City,  had  belonged  to 
the  Collegiate  Church  for  about  twenty  years,  when  it  was  thought 
best  to  set  it  off  by  itself.  But  there  was  much  anxiety  as  to  its  success, 
outside  of  the  organization  of  the  mother  church.  So  Dr.  Van  Zandt 
was  persuaded  to  come  and  do  what  he  could  for   the   enterprise.     He 


APPENDIX.  457 

assumed  the  pastorate  of  this  church  in  1856,  and  faithfully  did  his  best 
for  three  years,  when  it  became  evident  that  it  was  best  to  abandon  the 
effort.  He  was  then  called  to  the  large  and  important  church  of 
Montgomery,  N.  Y.,  in  whose  pastorate  he  continued  until  1872. 
when  he  was  elected  by  General  Synod  to  the  Professorship  of 
Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology  in  the  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick. 
This  Professorship  he  held  until  the  year  of  his  death,  1881.  In  1873 
he  received  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws  from  the  College  of  New 
Jersey, 

Dr.  Van  Zandt  was  a  student.  He  had  the  power  of  concentration, 
and  the  endurance  which  enabled  him  to  work  intensely  at  his  desk, day 
after  day,  all  day  long  and  far  into  the  night.  He  carefully  elaborated 
his  sermons  when  a  pastor,  and  his  lectures  when  a  Professor,  giving 
great  attention  to  analysis  and  style,  but  especially  giving  heed  to  com- 
prehensiveness and  precision  in  statements  and  dclinitions.  Nothing 
of  his  work  satisfied  him  until  he  had  given  it  keenest  cross-question- 
ing review,  and  felt  fully  prepared  to  defend  every  side  of  it,  and  to 
press  every  point.  He  had  intense  love  for  old-fashioned  orthodoxy 
according  to  the  Standards  of  hi^  church,  and  something  like  scorn  for 
anything  approaching  boneless  broad-churchliness. 

In  his  pastoral  work  he  laid  great  stress  upon  the  "faithful  instruc- 
tion of  the  children  and  youth,"  attending  personally  and  regularly  to 
catechetical  exercises  in  the  several  quarters  of  his  congregation,  up  to 
the  end  of  his  ministry. 

As  a  preacher,  after  his  careful  preparation,  he  had  a  fiery  inipetuous- 
ness  of  delivery  which  not  only  always  commanded  attention,  but  which 
often  thrilled  his  audience  with  something  of  his  own  vehemence.  Yet 
his  preaching  was  not  to  be  characterized  as  emotional.  It  was  clear, 
sound,  solid  reasoning,  which  left  both  understanding  and  conviction  of 
the  truth,  and  many  of  the  common  people  who  sat  under  his  ministry 
long  years  ago  still  formulate  their  expressions  of  doctrine  and  duty  in 
almost  the  very^  words  he  gave  them  from  his  pulpit. 

The  same  characteristics  followed  him  in  ecclesiastical  debates,  and 
into  the  professorial  chair.  Indeed,  they  were  part  of  his  natural  dispo- 
sition. He  was  a  clear  thinker,  and  he  had  quick  passions  and  an  in- 
domitable will.  These  together  made  him  an  orator  in  that  better 
sense  which  includes  permanent  results,  as  well  as  immediate  impres- 
sions. 

For  the  rest,  he  was — as  such  a  good  man  would  be  likely  to  be — a 
grand  lover,  and,  but  for  the  grace  of  God,  a  good  hater — a  positive  man, 
born  to  lead  somewhere.  It  was  to  his  blessedness,  and  to  the  great 
good  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  that  Divine  grace  early  came  into  his 
heart  to  rule,  restrain  and  consecrate. 

In  his  class-room  he  was  clear,  strong,  logical,  positive  and  compre- 
hensive in  his  definitions  of  doctrines,  and  his  sustaining  arguments. 
He  made  much  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace  as  a  central  truth,  and  while 


458  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

always  fair  in  his  treatment  of  divergent  systems,  he  taught  an 
Augustinian  Theology,  not  as  if  he  believed  it,  but  because  he  knew 
and  loved  it. 

Besides  many  elaborate  sermons,  essays,  and  reviews,  he  left  behind 
him  a  completed  and  carefully  written  out  series  of  Lectures  on  Didac- 
tic Theology,  and  a  Commentary  on  the  Constitution  of  the  Reformed 
Church,  which  last  had  been  the  occupation  of  his  later  leisure  hours. 

His  last  illness  was  long,  lingering  and  exceedingly  distressing,  but 
borne  with  unwavering  patience  and  resignation,  until  in  July,  1881,  he 
entered  into  rest.  His  flesh  rests  in  hope  among  the  buried  of  the  peo- 
ple whom  he  loved  so  well,  at  Montgomery. — See  C/ir.  InteH.  Also,  In 
Memoriam,  A.  B.  Van  Zandt,  Catskill,  1881. 

Publications  :  Oration,  July  4,  1840.  Union  Village,  Washington  Co., 
N.  Y,  pp.  19. — Oration,  Odd  Fellows'  Celebration,  July  4,  1843.  New- 
burgh,  N.  Y.— Review  of  "  Report  of  American  Bible  Society"  for  1849. 
Art.  in  Southern  Presb.  Rev.  for  July,  1850. — "God's  Voice  to  the  Na- 
tion." Sermon  occasioned  by  the  Death  of  President  Z.  Taylor.  Pe- 
tersburgh,  Va.,  1850.  pp.  20. — "  The  Voice  of  Years."  Sermon  occa- 
sioned by  the  Death  of  Henry  Clay.  Petersburgh,  Va.,  1852.  pp.  20  — 
Report  to  the  Synod  of  Virginia  on  Parochial  School  Education.  Phil. 
Presbyt.  Board  of  Education,  1855. — "  The  Romish  Controversy."  Ser- 
mon before  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  1855.  pp.  30. — 
"  True  Greatness."  Sermon  occasioned  by  the  Death  of  Archibald 
Alexander,  D.D.  Petersburgh,  Va.,  1852.  pp.  22. — "The  Necessity  of 
Revelation,  and  the  Condition  of  Man  without  it."  Lectures  on  the 
Evidences  at  the  University  of  Virginia,  1853. — "  The  Claims  of  Vir- 
ginia upon  her  Educated  Sons."  Address  before  the  Literary  Society 
of  Hampden  Sidney  College,  Va.,  1855. — "The  Ministerial  Office:  its 
Nature  and  Limitations."  Installation  Sermon,  New  York,  1856.  pp. 
32. — Anniversary  Address  at  Rockland  County  Female  Institute,  1857. 
— "  The  Law  and  Measure  of  Missionary  Effort."  Sermon  before  Young 
Men's  City  Missionary  Society,  New  York,  May,  1856. — "The  Willing 
Mind."  Sermon,  Central  Ref.  Dutch  Church,  New  York,  June,  1859. — 
"  The  Elect  Lady."  Memoir  of  Mrs.  Susan  C.  Bott.  Presb.  Board  of 
Publication,  i2mo. — '-The  Rightful  Name  of  the  Ref.  Prot.  Dutch 
Church."  A  Review  of  the  Report  of  Committee  proposing  a  Change. 
1867.  pp.  32. — "  The  Power  of  the  Classis  to  Dissolve  the  Pastoral  Re- 
lation." An  Argument  before  the  Particular  Synod  of  New  York. 
1871. — Address  before  the  Gen.  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
America.  Richmond,  Va.,  1872. — Inaugural  Address  at  Installation  as 
Prof,  of  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology.  New  Brunswick,  Sept.  24, 
1872. — Reminiscences  of  Dr.  Thos.  De  Witt.  Memorial. — "  The  Impec- 
cability of  Christ."  Art.  in  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Rev.  for  Jan., 
1877. — Newspaper  articles  in  Watchman  and  Observer,  Richmond,  and 
Christian  Intelligencer.  Sermons  in  the  National  Preacher.  Questions 
in  Theology,  1878. 


APPENDIX.  459 

REV.   PETER  STUDDIFORD. 
From  Corwin's  Manual. 

Mr.  Studdiford  was  born  in  New  York  city  in  1763,  and  was  graduated 
from  Columbia  College  in  1786.  He  studied  theology  with  Livingston, 
and  was  licensed  by  the  Christian  Synod  in  1787.  He  was  pastor  of  the 
united  Churches  of  Readington  and  Bedminste."  from  1787  to  1800, 
and  of  Readington  alone  from  1800  to  1826,  in  which  year  he  died.  He 
was  made  a  Trustee  of  (Queens  College  in  1788.  On  the  death  of  Prof. 
Van  Harlingen  he  was  made  temporary  Professor  of  Hebrew,  to  serve 
until  the  close  of  the  Seminary  year. 

Possessing  large  views  of  Divine  truth,  and  a  rich  store  of  various 
knowledge,  he  was  ready,  instructive,  and  forcible  in  his  preaching. 
He  loved  his  work,  and  shrank  not  from  effort  in  its  performance.  He 
■was  a  faithful  and  afTectionate  pastor,  a  patriotic  citizen,  and  a  humble, 
devout,  and  liberal-minded  Christian.  He  excelled  as  an  extempora- 
neous preacher,  transcending  himself  when  suddenly  called  on  to  take 
the  place  of  some  absentee.  These  efforts  had  all  of  the  finish  and  more 
than  the  force  of  an  elaborate  preparation.     Mng.  R.  D.  C,  i :  328. 

Publication :  Funeral  Sermon  of  Rev.  Dr.  Jacob  R.  Hardenbergh,  1790. 

REV.  JOHN  S.  MABON. 
By  Rev.  W.  V.  V.  Mabon,  D.D. 

In  Dr.  Sprague's  "  Annals  of  the  American  Reformed  Dutch  Pulpit," 
page  184 — 191,  there  are  three  sketches  of  Rev.  John  S.  Mabon. 

They  are  so  full  and  graphic,  consisting  as  they  do  of  an  autobio- 
graphic digest,  and  also  of  the  finely  drawn  lines  of  his  pupil.  Dr.  Zab- 
riskie,  as  to  require  in  this  place  little  more  than  a  few  corrections  and 
explanations. 

He  was  born  in  Scotland,  in  the  parish  of  Bowden,  Roxbury  County, 
on  the  2oth  of  January,  1780.  The  date  in  "The  Annals"  of  Dr. 
Sprague  is  here  corrected  from  his  own  papers  left  at  his  decease. 

The  interest  of  the  sketch  of  Dr.  Sprague  is  found  in  the  many  details 
of  his  personal  career.  A  notice  in  this  place  is  proper,  because  he  was 
employed  by  the  Board  of  Superintendents  to  fill  the  chair  of  Dr.  Schure- 
man  for  a  year  in  the  Theological  Seminary,  and  for  the  reason  that  he 
is  described  in  "The  Annals"  as  one  of  the  "  notables  of  the  Dutch 
clergy  as  well  as  from  his  own  intrinsic  character  and  position,  as  from 
the  part  he  bore  in  training  others  for  the  sacred  office.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  the  Professors  of  the  College  and  Seminary  at  New  Bruns- 
wick, probably  no  one  man  had  a  larger  share  in  educating  the  present 
generation  of  Dutch  Reformed  Ministers." 

The  fact  is,  that  for  ten  years  he  was  the  College.  From  1810  to  181 2, 
Dr.  Livingston's  relation  to  the  College  as  its  President,  was  supported 
by  his  salary  as  Professor  of  Theology. 


460  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

All  of  the  College  which  existed  at  the  time  was  the  Grammar  School, 
which  was  solely  under  the  instruction  of  my  father,  who,  without  assis- 
tant, taught  the  Classics,  Mathematics,  and  English  Literature.  In  "The 
Annals  "  it  is  said  that  Mr.  Mabon  came  with  Dr.  Livingston  from  Flat- 
bush  and  immediately  assumed  the  charge  of  the  school,  the  hours  of 
Dr.  Livingston's  lectures  being  adapted  to  the  convenience  of  the  Rec- 
tor. "  In  July,  1816,  he  was  married  to  Harriet,  daughter  of  the  Rev. 
Nicholas  Van  Vranken,  and  in  October  following  embarked  for  Europe 
to  purchase  for  himself  a  library." 

"  In  the  Spring  of  181 8,  he  accepted  an  invitation  from  the  Trustees  of 
Queens  College  to  take  charge  of  the  Grammar  School  at  New  Bruns- 
wick," where  he  labored  until  1825,  without  an  assistant,  giving  all  the 
instruction  received  by  those  who  were  preparing  for  the  Seminary,  and 
superintending  the  studies  of  many  of  them  in  his  own  family  during 
the  evening  hours. 

With  his  untiring  zeal,  his  health  frequently  broke  down,  forcing  him 
to  recuperate  from  time  to  time  by  travel,  at  the  cost  not  only  of  his 
purse  but  of  his  position. 

The  record  of  the  Synod  shows  that  the  services  rendered  by  him  and 
by  Dr.  Cannon  as  temporary  Professors  in  Dr.  Schureman's  vacant 
chair,  were,  at  a  cost  to  the  church  less  than  a  quarter  of  their  value, 
and  the  service  was  rendered  while  doing  full  tale  of  duty  to  the  gram- 
mar school. 

After  leaving  New  Brunswick,  his  great  reputation  as  a  teacher  accom- 
panied him  wherever  he  went,  gathering  about  him  young  men  who 
were  having  the  ministry  in  view,  not  a  few  of  whom  had  the  benefit  of 
his  generosity  toward  the  impecunious. 

He  was  a  warm  friend  as  well  as  a  zealous,  self-forgetting  and  able 
educator.     His  connection  with  both  Rutgers  and  Union  Colleges  needs 
no   other  explanation  than  his  ardent  attachment  to  John  H.  Living-, 
ston  and  Eliphalet  Nott,  in  co-operating  with  both  of  whom  he  spent 
the  best  years  of  his  life. 

While  in  Europe  he  made  the  acquaintance  of  scientific  men,  among 
others  of  Sir  David  Brewster.  He  wrote  a  Greek  and  also  a  Hebrew 
Grammar  of  much  value,  never  given  to  the  press.  When  he  taught 
the  Classics  it  was  usually  without  books,  with  a  perfect  memory  of 
their  contents.  He  loved  all  departments  of  learning,  and  was  a  chival- 
rous worshiper  at  the  shrine  of  wisdom,  traveling  from  place  to  place 
in  search  of  her,  like  the  ancients. 

He  was  a  practical  navigator,  surveyor,  teacher,  preacher;  loved  ad- 
venture, was  generous  in  the  extreme  to  the  deserving  who  were  in 
need,  and  identified  himself  so  fully  with  the  institutions  of  the  Church 
he  adopted  that  he  gave  his  all  to  her  welfare,  his  health,  his  fortune, 
his  children,  and  his  life,  so  that  long  before  the  age  of  sixty  he  had  be- 
come an  old  man. 

He  received  much  of  the  usual  compensation  of  such  a  life  in    the 


APPENDIX.  401 

grateful  afTcclion  of  pupils,  who  were  to  be  met  in  almost  every  town 
where  our  Church  is  established. 

His  parents,  George  Mabon  and  Margaret  Tillie,  were  remarkable  for 
their  godly  living,  their  love  of  Christian  ordinances  and  knowledge  of 
Christian  doctrine. 

On  his  mother's  side  there  were  several  ministers  in  the  family  con- 
nection. The  earliest  years  of  tJieir  son  were  marked  by  the  effects  of  the 
preached  word  impressing  the  power  of  the  world  to  come  upon  him 
while  yet  a  child.  He  lived  to  cherish  these  parents  in  their  old  age. 
while  they  left  to  him  as  their  most  valuable  legacy,  the  assurance  ob- 
tained by  them  from  Heaven  in  prayer,  in  the  night  watches,  that  his 
children  and  his  children's  children  would,  in  life  and  death,  be  the 
Lord's. 

He  died  April  27th,  1849.  His  widow  deceased  May  6th,  1875.  Three 
children  survive,  George,  Harriet  Anna  and  William  Van  Vranken 
Mabon. 

REV.  GEORGE  W.  BETHUNE,  D.D. 

George  W.  Bethune,  the  son  of  Divie  Bethune  and  his  wife  Joanna 
Graham,  was  born  in  the  city  of  New  York,  March  18,  1805.  He  was 
graduated  from  Dickinson  College  in  1823,  and  from  Princeton  Theo- 
logical Seminary- in  1826.  He  spent  a  year  in  missionary  work  at  Sa- 
vannah, Ga.,  but  the  whole  of  his  life  as  a  pastor  was  spent  in  the  Re- 
formed Church,  in  the  Churches  successively  of  Rhinebeck,  N.  Y.;  Utica, 
N.  Y.;  Philadelphia  (ist  and  3d)  ;  Brooklyn  Heights,  and  Twenty-first 
Street,  New  York  City.  He  died  at  Florence,  Italy,  on  Sunday,  April 
27th,  1862,  after  having  preached  in  the  morning  from  Mat.  ix:  2. 

While  Dr.  Bethune  was  entirely  free  from  bigotry,  and  loved  all  who 
loved  his  Savior,  he  yet  had  a  special  afTection  for,  and  was  intensely 
loyal  to  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church.  He  made  what  he  considered  its 
distinguishing  excellencies  the  subject  of  a  sermon  delivered  at  the  in- 
stallation of  Rev.  Dr.  Gosman  in  Philadelphia.  He  did  good  service  to 
the  Seminary  in  connection  with  the  building  of  the  Peter  Hertzog  Theo- 
logical Hall.  The  students  who  enjoyed  his  instructions  in  pulpit  elo- 
cution valued  them  highly,  and  the  valuable  contributions  of  books  from 
his  library  made  by  Mrs.  Bethune,  in  accordance  with  his  desire  ex- 
pressed in  his  will,  brings  him  constantly  to  thankful  remembrance.  He 
has  also  left  a  valuable  legacy  to  the  Church  in  his  Lectures  on  the  Hei- 
delberg Catechism,  New  York,  1864. 

Dr.  B.  was  a  man  of  large  attainments  in  the  classical  authors  and  in 
all  departments  of  literature,  and  an  orator  in  the  pulpit  and  speaker  on 
the  platform  of  national  reputation.  For  an  admirable  portraiture  of 
his  life  and  character,  we  refer  the  reader  to  the  work  of  his  colleague 
and  devoted  friend.  Rev.  Abraham  R.  Van  Nest,  D.D.,  entitled  :  Memoir 
of  Rev.  George  W.  Bethune.  D.D.,  New  York,  1867,  A  complete 
list  of  his  publications  may  be  found  in  Corwin's  Manual,  3d  edition, 
p.  I  So. 


463  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

Note  49.     Page  144. 
Regulations  Respecting  Studies. 

The  Synod  of  Dort  enacted  that  those  who  had  not  regularly  studied 
should  not  be  examined  by  any  classis  for  licensure  without  permission 
of  [Particular]  Synod.  {Art.  8  of  Constitutio7i,  1619.)  The  American 
Synod  took  the  following  action  soon  after  the  appointment  of  their 
first  Professors: 

It  was  proposed  that  the  Rev.  Body,  for  the  advancement  of  youth  to 
the  Sacred  Ministry,  frame  and  establish  a  more  specific  regulation  upon 
the  subject : 

First,  in  relation  to  preparatory  studies,  that  the  Professor,  Lector,  or 
any  of  the  brethren,  who,  in  accordance  with  the  decrees  of  Synod,  im- 
part instruction  in  theological  studies,  shall  receive  no  students  of  Sa- 
cred Theology  unless  they  show  by  the  exhibition  of  suitable  Diplo- 
mata,  that  they  have  received  from  some  college  the  degree  of  Bachelor 
of  Arts,  or  otherwise  that  they  have  undergone  a  suitable  examination 
by  the  committee  whom  this  Rev.  Body  will  please  to  appoint  in  those 
languages,  arts,  and  sciences  which  are  ordinarily  required  in  the  Ameri- 
can colleges  for  the  procuring  of  said  degree,  and  that  they  have  afforded 
satisfaction  in  relation  to  their  knowledge  of  said  studies,  and  have  re- 
ceived an  appropriate  certificate  to  that  effect. 

Secondly,  that  the  students,  having  been  admitted,  upon  such  certifi- 
cates relative  to  their  attainments  in  said  languages,  arts,  and  sciences, 
to  the  study  of  Sacred  Theology,  shall  be  required  to  exercise  them- 
selves in  this  sacred  science,  and  what  further  pertains  thereto,  under 
the  oversight  of  said  gentlemen  ;  this  Synod,  at  the  same  time,  reservmg 
the  right  in  particular  cases,  upon  application  made  to  them /r^?  re  nata,. 
to  suit  the  case. 

Wherefore,  after  deliberation  had,  this  proposal  was  converted  into  a 
Synodical  decree  and  made  a  standing  rule,  for  carrying  which  into 
effect,  it  is  therefore  decreed,  that  each  of  the  Classes  shall  annually 
nominate  two  or  more  of  their  members  a  committee  upon  this  subject ; 
and  that  when  any  youth  desire  to  undergo  said  examination,  they 
shall  present  themselves  to  the  gentlemen  composing  the  committee, 
who.  at  a  time  and  place  appointed  by  themselves  for  the  purpose,  shall 
conduct  the  examination,  and  when  they  judge  the  young  men  qualified, 
shall  provide  them  with  a  suitable  certificate,  which  certificate  shall  be 
regarded  as  sufficient  for  such  young  men,  in  order  to  commence  their 
theological  studies.     (Oct.  1788;  Art.  xiv.) 

It  was  proposed  that,  in  future,  instead  of  conforming  to  the  rule  pre- 
viously established  on  this  subject,  the  students  who  desire  to  present 
themselves  in  order  to  enter  upon  the  study  of  Sacred  Theology,  shall 
be  first  examined  by  a  committee  from  this  Synod  in  the  studies  which 
are  usually  taught  in  the  academies,  and  if  they  are  thought  competent,, 
be  provided  with  a  testimonial  to  that  effect.   The  Professor  and  Lector,, 


ArrEXDIX.  4C;j 

with  the  Deputati  Synodi,  or  any  three  of  them,  are  appointed  a  standing 
committee  for  the  purpose.     (Oct.  1790;  Art.  xii.) 

The  regulation  upon  this  subject  of  October.  1790,  being  found  incon- 
venient in  practice,  the  Kev.  Hody  ordajn.  that  henceforth  a  diploma 
from  some  college,  or  certificate  signed  by  some  Principal  of  an  ap- 
proved and  well-known  academy,  shall,  upon  presentation  thereof,  be 
sufficient  to  secure  to  such  students  admittance  to  the  study  of  theolog>-. 
{Ocf.  1 791  ;  Art.  xvi.) 

The  First  Constitution  enacted  in  America  required  students  to  study 
at  least  two  years  with  a  Theological  Professor  or  Lector  ;  (Explanatory 
Art.,  23,  1792,)  and  that  all  regulations  respecting  any  further  term  of 
study,  or  any  particular  dispensation  from  studies,  which  peculiar  circum- 
stances might  render  necessary,  should  be  determined  by  the  General 
Synod  alone.  (1792,  Art.  23.)  The  Revised  Constitution  of  i833savs: 
That  the  General  Synod  shall  have  original  cognizance  of  all  matters  re- 
lating to  the  Theological  School  [or  Schools,]  the  appointment  of 
Professors  and  their  Course  of  Instruction,  the  appointment  of  Super- 
intendents of  said  School  [or  Schools,]  and  the  regulations  thereof. 
The  Revision  of  1874  repeats  this  language. 

In  1807,  when  the  Covenant  was  made  between  th^  Trustees  of  Queens 
College  and  the  General  Synod,  it  was  agreed,  "That  a  Permanent 
Board  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Synod  to  superintend  the  Theological 
Institution,  to  assist  the  Professor  in  arranging  the  Course  of  Instruc- 
tion, to  attend  the  examinations  of  the  students  in  theology,  previous  to 
their  examination  for  licensure  before  Classis,  to  be  known  by  the  style 
of  "77/<?  Sttprrintcndcnts  of  the  Theological  Instiitction  in  Quecfts  College," 
and  to  be  recognized  as  such  by  the  Trustees  of  said  College.  {Mints. 
Gen.  Syn.  1812,  365.)  In  1812,  the  Seminar)-  having  been  removed  to  New- 
Brunswick,  the  following  plan  of  the  School  was  adopted.  This  was 
modified  from  time  to  time,  (e.  g.  Extra  Session  of  Syn.,  1813,  p.  36 ; 
1816,  p,  31  :  1819,  pp.  40,  41  ;  1820,  p.  69;  1822,  p.  63;  1823,  p.  54;  1824, 
p.  56,  and  Sept.  1825,  pp.  17,  26),  and  recast  in  1828.  (Mints.  Gen.  Syn., 
1828,  pp.  139-143).  It  has  remained  substantially  the  same  from  that 
time,  except  that  in  1841  it  was  elaborated  in  reference  to  the  Course  of 
Instruction  in  the  Department  of  Didactic  Theology,  and  in  1884,  a  new 
Curriculum  of  Studies  was  adopted.  The  whole  Plan  needs  now  to  be 
carefully  re-written  on  the  present  basis  of  the  Seminary,  entirely  inde- 
pendent as  it  is  of  the  College,  possessing  five  Professorships  and  a 
splendid  Library.  The  duties  of  the  Hertzog  Hall  Committee  and  of  the 
Librarian  should  be  included  in  the  Plan,  which  should  not  be  adopted 
without  a  couple  of  years  of  careful  study  by  the  whole  Church. 


464  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL, 

PLAN    OF    THE    THEOLOGICAL    SCHOOL, 

1812.  1828. 

Article  i. — Of  General  Synod. 

1.  All  the  authority  of  the  Reformed  (Dutch)  Church,  is  vested  in  the 
General  Synod,  as  the  last  resort.  This  Synod  shall  have  paramount 
authority  over  the  Theological  School,  its  officers,  laws  and  instructions. 
(181 2  ;   re-enacted  1828.) 

2.  The  General  Synod  shall  ap-  2.  {^As  amended.]  The  General 
point  a  Board  of  Superintendents,  Synod  shall  appoint  a  Board  of 
consisting  of  nine  persons,  all  of  Superintendents,  consisting  of  one 
whom  shall  be  members  of  the  member  from  each  Classis  of  the 
Dutch  Church,  to  be  chosen  in  the  Particular  Synods  of  Albany,  New 
following  manner,  viz. :  from  the  York  and  New  Brunswick,  and 
Particular  Synod  of  Albany,  three  these  respective  Classes  themselves 
ministers  ;  from  the  Particular  shall  have  the  right  to  nominate  to 
Synod  of  New  York,  three  minis-  General  Synod  the  representatives 
ters ;  and  from  the  Trustees  of  to  which  they  are  entitled  in  the 
Queens  College,  three  ministers.  Board,  for  the  confirmation  and 
This  Board  of  Superintendents  appointment  by  Synod.  (1834,  p. 
shall  be  chosen  by  ballot  at  every  302.)  The  members  shall  serve 
triennial  meeting  of  General  Syn-  for  three  years.  Those  now  chosen 
od.  (1807;  1812;  many  changes  shall  arrange  themselves  by  lot 
since.)*  into   three    classes ;    the    first    to 

serve  for  one  year,  the  second  for 
two  years,  the  third  for  three 
years ;  and  the  Board  shall  re- 
port annually  what  seats  become 
vacant  each  year.     (1841.  p.  5i8.)t 

*In  1824  the  first  change  was  made  in  reference  to  the  appointment  of  the  Board 
of  Superintendents.  Henceforth  two  from  each  Classis  were  to  be  appointed,  to 
constitute  this  Board,  except  from  the  Classis  of  New  York,  which  was  to  have 
four  members — all  to  be  appointed  by  the  Synod.  In  1834,  the  Classes  were  per- 
mitted  to  nominate,  and  Synod  confirmed  them.  In  1838  the  plan  was  again 
changed  limiting  the  number  to  one  from  each  Classis,  and  only  one-third  of  that 
number  were  to  be  elected  each  year,  to  prevent  an  entire  change  at  once  in  the 
Board.  The  next  year,  however.  Synod  resumed  its  right  of  appointing  the  whole 
Board  itself  ;  but  in  1841  the  plan  of  1838  was  again  adopted.  In  1848,  at  an  ex- 
tra session  of  Synod,  the  plan  was  entirely  changed,  so  that  eight  should  constitute 
the  Board,  an  equal  number  to  come  from  each  Particular  Synod  ;  but  this  action 
was  rescinded  the  next  June,  and  the  former  plan  resumed. 

In  1872  an  important  change  was  made  in  the  constitution  of  the  Board  of  Super- 
intendents. It  was  made  to  consist  of  four  ministers  and  four  elders  from  each  of 
the  Particular  Synods  of  New  York,  Albany,  and  New  Brunswick,  together  with 
one  delegate  from  the  Particular  Synod  of  Chicago.  These  were  to  be  nominated 
by  the  Synods  respectively,  and  confirmed  by  the  General  Synod.  The  normal 
term  of  service  was  to  be  four  years,  and  the  terms  of  service  of  one  fourth  of  the 


APPENDIX.  465 

3.  All  the  Professors  of  this  Theological  School  shall  he  chosen  by 
the  General  Synod  ;  but  in  the  recess  of  Synod,  the  Board  of  Superin- 
tendents may  temporarily  employ  a  person  or  persons,  to  perform  the 
duties  of  a  Professor.     (181  ?. ;  re-cnactcd  1828.) 

4.  The  General  Synod  may  alter,  amend  or  abrogate  any  of  the  articles 
in  the  Plan  of  this  School,  provided  such  alterations  do  not  contravene 
the  mutual  engagements  of  Synod  and  the  Trustees  of  Queens  [after  1825 
Rutgers]  College.     (1812;  re-enacted,  1828.) 

Article  II. — Of  the  Board  of  Superintendents. 


1812. 


1828. 


I.  The    Board   of    Superintend-  i.  The    Board    of   Superintend- 

ents shall  meet  annually  in  the  cnts  shall  meet  annually  on  the 
Professorial  Hall  at  the  time  of  third  Tuesday  in  May,  of  which 
the  Commencement  in  Queens  meeting  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the 
College  t  and  any  four  members.  Board  shall  give  notice,  through 
when  regularly  convened,  shall  be  the  Christian  Intelligencer,  each 
a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  year  ;  and  any  six  members,  when 
business.     (1812.)  regularly  convened,  shall  be  a  quo- 

rum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

members  were  to  expire  each  year.  This  change  created  dissatisfaction,  and  the 
restoration  of  the  previously  existing  plan  was  immediately  and  strongly  urged. 
The  result  was  that  in  1876  it  was  resolved  that  the  Board  should  consist  of  one 
member  from  each  Classis  (excepting  the  Classes  connected  with  the  Particular 
Synod  of  Chicago,)  to  be  nominated  by  the  respective  Classes,  together  with  six 
elders  to  be  appointed  directly  by  the  General  Synod,  the  term  of  service  to  be 
three  years.  In  1877,  when  the  Theological  Department  at  Hope  College  was  sus- 
pended, the  rights  of  the  Classes  of  the  Particular  Synod  of  Chicago  to  representa- 
tion in  the  Board  of  Superintendents  at  New  Brunswick  were  restored.  {Coy-.vhi's 
Manual^  1879,  3d  ed.,  page  108.) 

t  Resolved,  That  no  person  can  be  entitled  to  a  seat  in  the  Board  of  Superintend- 
ents who  is  not  at  the  time  being  a  member  of  the  Classis  for  which  he  was  elected. 
(1857,  p.  214.) 

Resolved,  That  the  traveling  expenses  of  the  Superintendents  of  the  Theological 
Seminary         .....  .         .         be  defrayed    out  of     the  contin- 

gent fund  of  General   Symod,  when   required         ....... 

(1836.  p.  535-) 

Resolved,  That         ......         the  expenses  of  the  Board   of 

Superintendents  be  paid  by  their  respective  Classes.     (1S58,  p.  342.) 

\  The  time  of  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Superintendents  has  frequently  been 
changed,  viz.: 

On  the  last  Tuesday  in  May  ;  1816,  p.  31. 

On  the  fourth  Monday  of  May;   1819,  p.  40. 

On  the  Tuesday  of  the  week  preceding  the  annual  meeting  of  the  General 
Synod  ;  1822,  p.  63. 

On  the  first  Tuesday  of  April ;   1825,  p.  26,  etc.,  etc. 

Frequently  the  time  of  meeting  was  regulated  by  the  Commencement  in  the  Col- 
lege.    The  present  arrangement  was  made  in  1855. 
30 


466  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

l8i2.  1828. 

2.  This  Board  shall  open  and  close  all  their  meetings  with  prayer,  and 
shall  cause  one  sermon  at  least  to  be  preached  either  by  their  President, 
or  some  member  appointed  for  that  purpose.     (1812;  1828.) 

3.  This  Board  shall  choose  a  President  and  Secretary,  keep  minutes 
of  all  their  transactions,  and  lay  them  with  a  summary  account  of  the 
state  of  the  school,  before  General  Synod,  at  every  stated  meeting. 
(181 2;  1828.)  The  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Board 

shall  be  a    permanent  officer,  /.  e., 
shall  continue  from  year  to  year 
until  he  shall  resign,  or  the  Board, 
for  sufficient   cause,  shall   elect  a 
successor.     (1841,  p.  450.) 
That  all  future  applications  for         4-  The  power  of  admitting  stu- 
admission  be  referred  to  the  Pro-      dents  into  the  Theological  School* 
fessors.     (i 816,  p.  31.)  is  vested  in  the  Board  of  Superin- 

That  the  admission  of  students  tendents  ;  and  they  are  directed  to 
into  the  Theological  College,  and  appoint  a  committee  in  the  neigh- 
into  the  school  of  Prof.  Froeligh,  borhood  of  New  Brunswick  to  act 
be  intrusted  to  the  Professors  and  on  these  subjects  during  the  recess 
the  Board  of  Superintendents,  or  of  the  Board.  (1824,  p.  56  ;  1828.) 
a  Committee  of  five,  to  be  appoint- 
ed by  the  Board.     (1819,  p.  41.) 

4.  The  Board  shall  superintend  an  annual  examination  of  all  the  stu- 
dents, under  the  care  of  the  Professors,  to  ascertain  their  talents  and 
proficiency.     (1812;  1828.) 

5.  The  Board  shall  be  competent  to  reprimand  or  remove  immoral  or 
incompetent  students,  to  inspect  the  doctrines  taught  by  Professors,  and 
the  general  course  of  study,  and  to  recommend  to  Synod  such  meas- 
ures or  changes  as  they  may  think  advantageous  to  the  school,  and  the 
general  interests  of  the  Dutch  Church.     (181 2  ;  1828.) 

6.  The  President  is  authorized  to  call  a  special  meeting  of  the  Board 
at  the  request  of  a  Professor  or  Professors,  or  of  any  two  members,  at 
any  time,  provided  four  weeks  previous  notice  be  given.     (1812  ;  1828.) 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Su- 
perintendents be  requested  to 
adopt  some  plan  by  which  the 
Professors  of  the  Theological  Sem- 
inary will  make  a  yearly  detailed 
report  to  the  Board  of  Superin- 
tendents of  every  student  in  the 
Seminary ;  and  that  they  be  au- 
thorized to  have  blank  reports  pre- 
pared and  printed  for  this  purpose. 

(1858,  p.  333-) 

*As  passed  in  1824,  there  was  added  after  the  word,  School, — "  and  of  granting 

dismissions  from  the  same,"  is  vested,  etc.,  etc. 


APPENDIX.  467 

1812.  1828. 

Resolved,  That  the  term  of  the  Theological  Seminary  commence  on 
the  twentieth  day  of  September,  to  continue  until  the  third  Tuesday  of 
May,  with  an  interval  of  eight  or  ten  days  at  the  Christmas  Holidays. 

Rcsolvtd,  Thai  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Superintendents 
be  held  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  May.     (1855,  p.  20.) 

Art.  III.     0/  the  Professors. 

1.  The  number  of  the  Professors  in  the  School  shall  be  determined  by 
General  Synod,  and  their  duties  shall  be  prescribed  by  Synod,  or  by  the 
person  or  persons  who  may  endow  a  Professorship,  under  the  immediate 
direction  of  the  Superintendents:  Provided  always,  that  the  School  be 
not  considered  as  completely  organized  without  three  Professors,  and 
that  all  of  them  be  ordained  ministers  of  the  Reformed  Church.  (1812, 
1828.) 

2.  The  salaries  of  all  the  Professors  hereafter  appointed  shall  be  fixed 
by  a  vote  of  General  Synod.     (181 2,  1828.) 

3.  The  Professors  shall  attend  three  lectures  or  recitations  every  week, 
and  accompany  them  with  prayer.     (1812,  1828.) 

4.  Every  Professor  intending  to  resign,  shall  give  six  month's  notice 
to  the  Board  of  Superintendents.     (1812,  1828.) 

5.  They  shall  attend  morning  and  evening  prayers  with  their  pupils, 
either  separately  or  in  conjunction  with  the  Faculty  and  students  of 
Rutgers  College,  and  supply  them  with  the  preaching  of  the  gospel, 
and  the  administration   of  the   sacraments  by  themselves  or  by  some 

church  in  New  Brunswick.     (181 2.) 

6.  The  Professors  shall  have  the 
power  of  reprimanding  or  suspend- 
ing from  the  School,  disrespectful, 
immoral  or  incompetent  students, 
during  the  recess  of  the  Board  of 
Superintendents,  subject  to  there- 
vision  of  the  Board.  (1823,  p.  54, 
1828.) 

7.  In  respect  to  absences  caused 
by  sickness  or  pecuniary  consider- 
ations, it  is  left  to  the  Faculty  to 
determine  how  long  and  for  what 
cause  a  student  may  be  absent,  and 
yet  resume  his  place  in  his  class, 
subject  to  the  revision  of  the  Board. 
(1844,  p.  291.) 

8.  The  Synod  will  always  feel 
gratified  by  enjoying  the  attend- 
ance of  the  Professors  in  the  The- 
ological Semmary  at  the  sessions 
of  Synod,  whenever  their  profes- 


468  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 

i8i2.  .        1828. 

sional  duties  will  admit.  (1837, 
p.  78.  Conip.  1824,  p,  55.) 

9.  The  Professors  shall  be  or- 
ganized into  a  Faculty  for  the  ex- 
ercise of  the  powers  vested  in 
them  by  this  Plan,  and  they  are 
directed  to  hold  monthly  meetings 
and  more  frequently  if  they  deem 
it  necessary.  The  Professors  shall 
preside  quarterly  in  rotation,  be- 
ginning with  the  senior  Professor.* 
Suggested,  (1828,  p.  loi,  129),  eJi- 
acted,  (1835,  p.  424). 

Art.  IV.  Of  Shidents. 

1.  Every  student,  upon  admis-  i.  Every  student  before  his  ad- 
sion  to  the  Theological  School,  mission  to  the  Theological  School, 
shall  produce  a  certificate  of  his  shall  produce  a  certificate  of  his 
membership  in  some  regular  Pro-  membership  in  some  regular  Pro- 
testant Church,  and  testimonials  of  testant  Church,  and  a  diploma  from 
his  academic  attainments,  or  sub-  some  literary  college,  or  testimon- 
mit  to  an  examination  upon  acad-  ials  of  such  literary  attainments  as 
emic  studies.     (1812.  would  entitle  him  to  such  diploma. 

He  shall  moreover  submit  to  an 
examination  by  the  Board,  or  such 
committee  as  they  may  appoint, 
of  his  piety,  talents  and  such  other 
qualifications  as  would  give  rea- 
sonable ground  to  hope  that  he  is 
called  of  God  to  preach  the  gospel. 
(1820,  p.  69,  1828.) 

2.  Every  student  in  the  Reformed  Church  shall,  previous  to  his  com- 
mencing the  study  of  theology,  make  himself  known  as  such  to  the 
Board  of  Superintendents,  and  shall  be  considered  under  the  care  of  said 
Board.  And  every  student  of  divinity,  under  whomsoever  he  may  have 
studied,  shall,  previous  to  his  examination  by  the  Professor,  apply  for 
the  said  purpose  to  the  Board  of  Superintendents,  before  he  is  examined 
and  licensed.     (1813,  p.  36,  1828.) 

The  students  shall  exhibit  to  the  Professors  weekly,  in  rotation, 
one  lecture  or  sermon  on  such  subjects  as  the  Professors  shall  appoint, 

*  In  1883  (page  324),  the  Synod  adopted  the  following  :  That  hereafter  the 
oldest  Professor  in  service  in  the  Theological  Seminary  at  New  Brunswick  be 
styled  "  Dean  of  the  Seminary,"  and  to  him  shall  be  entrusted  the  discipline  of  the 
Institution,  according  to  such  regulations  as  may  be  agreed  upon  by  the  Faculty. 


APPENDIX.  469 

1812.  1828. 

and  each  one  annually  to  the  Superintendents,  and  write  upon  such  sub- 
jects as  the  Professors  may  prescribe.     (181 2,   1828.) 

Strict  morality,  piety,  diligence  in  studies  and  attendance  upon  lec- 
tures, recitations  and  prayers  are  required,  under  pain  of  reproof  or  ex- 
pulsion.    (1812,  1828.) 

Every  student  shall  spend  a  portion  of  his  time,  morning  and  even- 
ing, in  private  devotion,  and  every  Lord's  day  in  public,  social  and  pri- 
vate worship,  with  a  particular  reference  to  personal  religion  and  growth 
in  grace.     (1812,  1828.) 

Those  students  who  are  not  able  to  defray  the  expenses  of  their 
education,  shall  be  assisted  as  far  as  practicable  from  the  funds  devoted 
to  that  purpose.     (1812,  1828.*) 

Ariicle  5.— 0/  the   Time  and  Coiirse  of  Study. 

1.  The  time  and  course  of  study  in  this  School  shall  not  be  less  than 
three  years.     {1S12,  1828.) 

2.  In  each  year  there  may  be  two  2.  In  each  year  there  shall  be 
vacations  coresponding  with  those  three  vacations,  correspondmg 
in  Queens  College,  or  otherwise  with  those  in  Rutgers  College, 
as  the  Professors  and  Superintend-  provided  that  the  whole  time  of 
ents  may  determine,  provided  that  vacation  in  any  year  do  not  exceed 
the  whole  time  of  vacation  in  any  three  months.  (1825,  Sept.,  p.  26; 
year  do  not  exceed  three  months.       1828.) 

(1812.)  The    w^hole    course    of  instruc- 

3.  Every  student  shall  be  taught  tion  shall  consist  of  Natural,  Di- 
Natural,  Didactic,  Polemic,  and  dactic.  Polemic,  and  Practical  The- 
Practical  Theology;  Biblical  Crit-  ology  ;  Biblical  Literature,  includ- 
icism,  Chronolog}',  and  Ecclesias-  ing  Crilica  Sacra,  Hermeneutica 
tical  History;  the  form  and  ad-  Sacra,  Biblical  Antiquities.  Sacred 
ministration    of    Church    Govern-  Geography,  and  the  Original  Lan- 


*  Before  the  Board  of  Education  was  created  in  182S  the  Board  of  Superintend- 
ents performed  the  duties  now  belonging  to  that  Board.  Hence  we  find  the  follow- 
ing as  belonging  to  the  Plan  of  the  School  before  1828. 

That  in  order  to  prevent  applications  for  aid  on  the  part  of  those  whose  parents 
are  able  to  support  them,  the  Board  of  Superintendents  be  directed  to  appropriate  no 
moneys  to  any  student  who  has  not  a  certilicate  from  the  Consistory  of  the  Church  to 
which  he  belongs,  that  his  parents  are  unable  or  unwilling  to  support  him  ;  or  that 
he  has  not  sufficient  means  of  support.     (1819,  p.  40.) 

That  the  Board  of  Superintendents  be  authorized,  if  they  shall  deem  it  expedient, 
to  demand  from  each  of  the  students  annually  S30  for  tuition.     (1S19,  p.  41.) 

That  it  be,  and  hereby  is,  enjoined  on  the  Board  of  the  Corporation  of  this  Synod,  to 
collect  all  moneys  due  from  persons  who  have  received  or  may  receive  aid  from  the 
Theological  Funds,  and  who  have  connected,  or  may  hereafter  connect  themselves 
with  other  denominations— within  the  time  specified  in  the  order  of  Synod.  (1820, 
p.  69.) 


470  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

1812.  1828. 

ment,  and  Pastoral  duties;  and  be  guages  ;  Ecclesiastical  History,  in- 
able  to  read  the  Scriptures  fluently  eluding  Chronology,  Church  Cov- 
in the  original  languages.     (1812.)      ernment  and   Pastoral  Theology. 

(1825,  Sept.,  p.  17,  26  ;  1828.) 

The  studies  of  the  first  year,  or 
Junior  Class,  shall  be  Critica  Sacra, 
Biblical  Antiquities,  Sacred  Geog- 
raphy, Composition,  the  Original 
Languages  (1825,  Sept.,  p.  18) ;  the 
History  of  the  Old  Testament ; 
and  so  much  of  Pastoral  Theology 
as  relates  to  the  composition  and 
delivery  of  sermons.     (1828.) 

The  studies  of  the  second  year 
shall  be  Didacticand  Polemic  The- 
ology, Hermeneutica  Sacra,  Eccle- 
siastical History,  and  the  Original 
Languages  continued.  (1825,  Sept., 
p.  18;  1828.) 

The  studies  of  the  third  year 
shall  be  Didactic  and  Polemic  The- 
ology, Pastoral  Theology,  Ecclesi- 
astical Historv,  Church  Govern- 
ment, Hermeneutica  Sacra,  and 
the  Original  Languages.  (1825, 
Sept.,  p.  18;  1828.) 

A  general  revision  of  the  former 
studies  shall  be  required  at  the 
close  of  each  year ;  and  there  shall 
be  anniversary  exercises,  in  which 
each  member  of  the  Senior  Class 
shall  bear  a  part,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Professors.  (1825,  Sept., 
p.  18;  1828.) 

In  the  course  of  instruction  on 
Didactic  and   Polemic   Theology, 
Mark's  Medulla  shall  be  used  as  a 
text-book.    (1825,  pp.  18,  26;  1828.) 
3.  Students,  at  the  expiration  of  three  years  of  regular  study,  shall  be 
admitted  to  an  examination,  to  be  conducted  by  the  Professors  before 
the  Board  of  Superintendents,  and,  as  the  case  may  require,  be  contin- 
ued longer  in  the  School  or  furnished  with  a  certificate  signed  by  the 
Professor,  which  shall  admit  them  to  an  examination  for  licensure  before 
their  respective  Classes.     (18 12,  1828.) 


APPENDIX.  471 

Elaboration  of  the  Plan  in  Reference  to  Didactic  Theology, 

IN  1841. 

1.  While  the  present  text-book  (Mark's  Medulla)  shall  be  put  into  the 
hands  of  the  students,  and  they  shall  be  required  habitually  to  refer  to 
it  on  the  subjects  of  the  course,  as  they  occur,  it  shall  be  chiefly  used 
by  the  Professor  as  his  guide  in  the  order  of  his  instruction.  But  the  stu- 
dents shall  not  be  required  either  to  commit  to  memory  or  to  recite  the 
same  in  the  lecture-room.  A  general  syllabus,  however,  of  the  whole 
subject,  in  as  condensed  a  form  as  its  completeness  will  allow,  embrac- 
ing definitions  and  the  C/assi's  argunicntoritnt,  drawn  from  the  text-book 
by  the  Professor,  should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  student  and  commit- 
ted to  memory  carefully  by  the  Junior  Class,  to  be  reviewed  from  time 
to  time  by  all  the  Classes.     (1841,  Sept.,  pp.  19,  21.) 

2.  The  Professor  shall  deliver  original,  full,  connected, continuous  and 
well-digested  written  lectures  upon  the  branches  of  Theological  Science, 
in  the  order  prescribed  in  the  present  text-book  used  in  the  Institution, 
and  embracing  a  special  reference  to  the  Canons  and  the  other  Stand- 
ards of  the  Church,  and  all  the  modern  controversies  in  theology. 
(1841,  Sept..  p.  19.) 

3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Didactic  Professor  to  institute  and  prose- 
cute a  course  of  elementary  instruction  upon  the  subjects  of  theology 
with  the  first  or  Junior  Class,  regulated  by  the  Standards  of  the  Church, 
in  such  way  as  shall  prepare  them  to  enter  upon  the  full  study  of  the 
system  of  Didactic  Theology  in  the  second  year  of  their  course,  during 
which  year  his  lectures  on  Didactic  Theology  shall  be  delivered.  And 
when  the  students  shall  arrive  at  the  third  or  Senior  year,  the  Professor 
shall  meet  them  daily,  and  they  shall  receive,  in  addition  to  such  other 
instruction  as  he  may  give  them,  his  system  of  lectures  on  Polemic 
Theology,  and  shall  be  exercised  by  him  in  the  writing  of  theses  in  di- 
vinity, as  he  shall  from  time  to  time  assign  them  :  Provided,  always, 
that  the  Professor  shall  be  careful  to  examine  the  students  in  such  way 
as  he  shall  judge  most  advisable,  upon  the  substance  of  every  lecture 
delivered  by  him.    (1841,  Sept..  p.  19.) 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Professor  to  direct  the  attention  of  the 
students  to  the  reading  of  such  works,  on  the  several  subjects,  as  tliey 
occur  in  his  lectures,  as  he  may  think  calculated  to  give  them  full  and 
correct  information  in  relation  to  all  the  grand  doctrines  embraced  in 
the  system  of  theology,  and  he  shall,  from  time  to  time,  satisfy  himself 
that  these  works  are  consulted  by  them.  (1841,  Sept.,  p.  19.) 

5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Professor  to  prepare  a  full  and  copious 
system  of  questions  upon  all  the  subjects  of  Didactic  and  Polemic  The- 
ology, which  the  students  shall  be  obliged  to  answer  in  writing  at 
their  rooms,  and  at  their  leisure,  and  which  shall  form  the  basis 
of  their  examination  before  the  Board  of  Superintendents.  (1841, 
Sept.,  p.  19.) 


472  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

Curriculum  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  Adopted,  i 

A.      EXEGETICAL    THEOLOGY. 
I.     Old  Testament  Chair. 


Hebrew  and  Cognate 
Tongues. 


To  be  treated  by 
both    [Chairs]     ac- 


Palseography. 
Canonics. 
xijiiHucB.  Textual  Criticism.  j-       ,.  u 

Practical  Exegesis.  ,    Historic        "  ^  cording  to  such  ar 

H.  Ne^.^  TestameJoX^.      \    Hermeneutics.  1  ^^JafrnTe  between 

Hellenic  Greek.  |    Biblical  Geography.  J  STelves  ' 

Practical  Exegesis.         J  Chronology.  (^ 

Successive  portions  of  the  Greek,  and  \i practicable,  the  Hebrew  Scrip- 
tures, to   be  assigned  at  each  session,  so  that  the  whole  shall  be  read 
through  with  care  during  the  three  years  course. 
Expository  Lectures. 

B.      HISTORIC   THEOLOGY. 

L     The  Kingdom  of  God  under  the  Old  Covenant. 

1.  Its  Rise  and  Growth. 

2.  History  of  Cultus. 

3.  "       "  Life  and  Morals. 

4.  "       "  Doctrine  :  Biblical  Theology  of  the  Old  Testament. 
IL  The  Kingdom  of  God  under  the  New  Covenant. 

1.  Extension  of  Christianity. 

2.  History  of  Cultus  and  Government. 

3.  "  "  Life  and  Morals. 

4.  "  "Doctrine:  Biblical  Theology  of  the  New  Testament. 

5.  "  "  Christian  Literature. 

6.  "  "  Philosophy  as  related  to  the  Church. 
Expository  Lectures. 

C.      DOCTRINAL   THEOLOGY. 

L     Dogma. 

1.  Outline  of  the  System  (Definitions,  Proofs,  &c.) 

2.  Standards  of  the  Church  :  (Heidelberg  Catechism  ;  Belgic  Con- 

fession ;  Canons  of  Dort.) 

3.  History  of  Christian  Dogma  :     (Post  Biblical.) 

4.  Encyclopaedia  and  Methodology. 
n.  Apolegetics. 

1.  Theism. 

2.  Comparative  Religions. 

3.  Evidences  of  Christianity. 

4.  Contemporary  Attacks. 
HL  Ethics. 

1.  Principles. 

2.  History. 

IV.  Lectures  and  Theses  on  Specific  Themes. 

Two  Theses  from  each  student  every  year  to  be  discussed  by  the 

class. 
Expository  Lectures. 


APPENDIX.  473 

D.      PRACTICAL   THEOLOGY. 

I.  Nature  and  Grounds  of  the  Christian  Ministr\'. 

The  Call  (outward  and  inward);  Oualifications,  Preparation, 
and  Induction  into  Office. 

II.  Homiletics. 

Practical  E.xercises  in  Plan,  Composition,  and  Delivery  of  Ser- 
mons. 

III.  Catechetics. 

Theory,  History,  Method,  including  Catechetical  Classes,  [the] 
Sunday  School,  and  Pulpit  Exposition. 

IV.  Liturgies. 

Conduct  of  Worship  ;  the  History  of  the  Development  and  Use 
of  Liturgies  ;  Hymnology ;  Feast-Days  ;  Christian  Art  and 
Architecture  as  connected  with  Worship. 

V.  Ecclesiastics. 

Administration  of  Discipline  ;  Pastor  as  member  of  Consistory, 
Classis,  Synods  and  Boards. 

VI.  Poimenics. 

Marriages,  Funerals,  Visitation  of  the  Sick,  Inquirers,  Prayer- 
meetings,  Benevolence. 

VII.  Halieutics. 

1.  Missions  in  the  Neighborhood,  in  the  Domestic  and  Foreign 

Fields. 

2.  History — General  and  Denominational. 
Expository  Lectures. 

RECO^LMENDATIONS. 

I.  The  use  of  some  Latin  Compend  in  Doctrinal  Theology,  such  as 
Alarckii  Medulla,  or  Amesii  Theologia,  as  tending  to  make  the  students 
familiar  with  scholastic  Latin,  as  well  as  giving  an  exact  Syllabus  of 
Definitions  and  Proofs.  The  book  and  the  manner  of  using  it  to  be  at 
the  discretion  of  the  Professor. 

II.  The  requisition  from  the  students  of  frequent  written  Theses,  on 
given  subjects,  to  be  read  and  discussed  by  the  class,  not  only  in  Doc- 
trinal Theology,  but  in  all  other  departments. 

III.  Occasional  Lectures,  by  Pastors  and  others,  on  topics  with 
■which  they  are  especially  familiar. 

IV.  Instruction  in  Vocal  Culture,  with  training  by  an  expert. 

V.  Lectures  on  Physiology,  Hygiene,  and  Sanitary  arrangements  in 
general.     [This  might  be  secured  in  union  with  Rutgers  College.] 

VI.  The  establishment  of  Fellowships — of  about  S500  or  S6oo  yearly 
for  two  years,  to  be  given  to  such  students  as  at  the  end  of  the  course 
shall  show  most  proficiency,  and  shall  desire  opportunity  for  further 
study. 

VII.  The  establishment  of  new  Professorships,  as  soon  as  the  means 
shall  have  been   furnished — not  only  for  Biblical  Theology,  but  also  for 


474  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

Apologetics,  Symbolics  and   Monumental  Theology,  including  Egyptol- 
ogy and  Assyriology. 

PETER  HERTZOG  HALL. 

In  1856-7,  the  Peter  Hertzog  Hall  was  built.  The  Faculty  proposed  a 
set  of  rules  for  the  internal  regulation  of  the  Hall,  which  the  Synod  ap- 
proved. (1857,  p.  210.)  Subsequently  the  Faculty  requested  the  Synod 
to  allow  the  Standing  Committee  to  frame  their  own  rules,  and  that  in 
cases  of  difficulty  reference  be  had  to  the  Board  of  Superintendents. 
(1859,  pp.  448-9-) 

Resolved,  That  a  Standing  Committee  on  the  Peter  Hertzog  Theologi- 
cal Hall  be  appointed,  consisting  of  six  persons,  of  whom  the  [then 
three]  Theological  Professors  shall  always  be  members  ;  the  other  mem- 
bers shall  serve  during  the  pleasure  of  General  Synod,  one  of  whom 
shall  be  annually  chosen  by  the  Synod. 

Resolved,  That  this  Committee  shall  have  the  general  charge  of  this 
property,  to  keep  it  in  repair,  and  attend  to  such  business  matters  as  may 
be  necessary  for  its  proper  preservation  ;  and  that  this  Committee  shall 
report  fully  at  each  stated  session  of  the  General  Synod. 

Resolved,  That  this  Committee  are  hereby  authorized  and  requested  to 
secure  such  additional  funds  as  may  be  needed  to  accomplish  the  ob- 
jects of  the  Institution. 

Resolved,  That  the  expenditures  of  the  Peter  Hertzog  Theological 
Hall,  by  the  Committee  of  this  Synod  having  the  same  in  charge,  shall 
not  in  any  case  exceed  the  amount  of  funds  actually  collected.  (1857, 
p.  215.) 

Resolved,  That  the  Standing  Committee  on  the  Peter  Hertzog  Theolo- 
gical Hall,  appointed  in  1857,  and  then  authorized  and  directed  to  secure 
such  additional  funds  as  may  be  needed  to  accomplish  the  objects  of 
the  Theological  Institution,  shall  be  and  hereby  is  continued  under  the 
following  additional  regulations : 

1.  The  Standing  Committee  on  the  Peter  Hertzog  Theological  Hall 
shall  consist  of  ten  members,  one  of  whom  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Theological  Faculty  from  their  own  number  each  year,  and  five  of 
whom  shall  be  laymen,  to  be  elected  by  General  Synod,  to  be  divided 
into  three  classes,  to  hold  office  respectively  one,  two  and  three  years. 

2.  This  Committee  shall  be  and  hereby  is  empowered  whenever  in 
their  opinion  it  becomes  necessary,  to  appoint  a  financial  agent  or  agents 
for  the  collection  of  funds  for  the  endowment  and  support  of  the  Semin- 
ary and  the  general  advocacy  of  the  interests  of  the  Theological  Semin- 
ary. 

3.  This  Committee  shall  pay  over  the  funds  collected  by  them  to  the 
Board  of  Direction,  except  so  much  as  is  necessary  for  repairs  upon  the 
buildings  and  appurtenances  from  year  to  year. 

4.  This  Committee  shall  hold  quarterly,  or,  if  necessary,  more  frequent 


APPENDIX.  475 

meetings  at  New  Brunswick,  fluring  the  term  time,  on  such  regular  and 
fixed  days  as  it  may  select. 

5.  This  Committee  shall  be  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Board  of 
Superintendents  as  now  constituted,  shall  report  annually  to  said  Board 
at  its  annual  meeting  for  the  examination  of  students,  and  shall  be  under 
the  general  direction  of  said   Board. 

6.  This  Committee  shall  hold  a  joint  session  together  with  the  Board 
of  Superintendents,  at  the  annual  meeting  at  New  Brunswick  for  the  full 
consideration  of  the  temporal  interests  of  the  Theological  School. 

7.  The  Board  of  Superintendents  shall  report  to  the  General  Synod, 
at  its  annual  sessions,  the  result  of  the  action  of  the  above  Committee, 
under  the  above  regulations.     (1868,  p.  478.) 

Amendment  to  Regulation  1.  of  1868. 
The  Standing  Committee  shall  consist  of  six  members,  one  of  whom 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  Faculty,  and  five,  &c.,  &c.,  &c.    (1869,  p.  645). 


THE 

CENTENNIAL   CATALOGUE 


OF    THE 


THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


OF    THE 


Reformed  Church  in  America 

1784-1885- 


PREFATORY   NOTE. 

No  general  and  official  catalogue  of  the  Theological  Seminary  has 
heretofore  been  published.  Dr  Livingston  and  the  early  Professors 
kept  no  list  of  the  students  to  whom  they  gave  Professorial  certificates.* 
Their  names  appeared  from  1784-1793  in  the  records  of  the  Synod  of 
that  period.  From  1794,  and  onward,  these  names  are  found  in  the 
records  of  the  several  Classes,  and  of  the  Particular  Synods.t  and  from 
181 2,  when  the  first  official  report  of  a  Board  of  Superintendents  ap- 
pears, also  in  the  records  of  the  General  Synod.  But  many  have 
taken  partial  courses  in  our  Seminary.  Some  students  also  have  died 
during  their  Seminary  course.  If,  coming  from  other  institutions,  this 
partial  course  happened  to  be  of  the  Senior  j'ear,  their  names  would  be 
reported ;  but  if  they  completed  their  course  elsewhere,  their  names 
disappeared  from  our  records.  The  Committee  has  aimed  to  restore 
all  these  names. 

D.  D.  Demarest,  when  a  student,  compiled  the  first  catalogue  of  the 
New  Brunswick  students,  reaching  from  1812-39.  Similar  catalogues 
were  published  triennially  thereafter  until  1853-4.  In  1856-7,  the  Com- 
mittee of  studentst  appointed  for  that  purpose,  requested  E.  T.  Corwin, 
then  a  Resident  Licentiate,  to  supervise  that  work.  It  was  delayed  two 
years,  and  finally  appeared  as  the  first  edition  of  the  Manual,  1859.  This 
work  contained  the  first  approximately  complete  list  of  students  from 
1784-1859.  The  names  of  most  of  our  ministers  of  the  earlier  times, 
1633-1800,  had  been  collected  and  arranged  by  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  DeWitt, 
chiefly  from  the  Amsterdam  Correspondence.  These  he  appended  to  a 
Historical  Discourse  which  he  had  delivered  in  the  Fulton  St.  Church, 
in  1854.  A  corrected  and  enlarged  list  of  these  was  also  added  in  this 
first  edition  of  the  Manual,  including  also  the  names  of  those  who  had 
entered  the  Dutch  Church  from  other  denominations.    In  1869  a  second 

•  For  list  of  ministers  educated  and  ordained  in  America  before  the  appointment 
of  Theological  Professors,  see  pp.  297,  298,  of  this  Volume. 

I  From  1792-1832  the  Particular  Synods  or  the  Classes  could  examine  students 
for  licensure.  See  Explanatory  Articles  3,  5,  6,  8,  etc.  After  1S32,  only  the 
Classes  could  license,  but  the  Depulati  Synodi  reported  the  names  to  llie  Particular 
Synods  (1S32-1874).  Since  1874  these  names  are  reported  to  the  respective  Par- 
ticular Synods  by  the  Stated  Clerks  of  the  several  Classes,  who  attach  such  memo- 
randa to  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Slate  of  Religion. 

\  This  Committee  consisted  of  Henry  P.  Thompson,  John  H.  Suydam,  and 
James  LeFevre. 


480  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

edition  of  the  Manual,  greatly  enlarged  and  improved,  was  published, 
in  which  all  the  names  from  ever>-  source  were  thrown  into  alphabetical 
order,  with  many  biographical  sketches.  A  brief  history  of  the  Church, 
its  Boards  and  Institutions  was  added.  In  1879  a  third  edition  was  pub- 
lished, with  corrections  and  additions  up  to  date,  with  a  large  increase 
of  historical  material  including  Bibliography,  and  m  an  Appendix  also 
chronological  lists  of  the  churches  and  pastors.  This  Catalogue  is  a  re- 
\ision  of  that  part  of  said  list,  which  includes  the  Alumni  of  our  Semm- 
ar^^  It  was  thought  unnecessar\-  to  add  details  of  ministerial  changes 
in  this  Catalogue,  as  these  are  given,  up  to  within  a  few  years,  in  the 
Manual.  Instead  of  this,  a  tabulation  of  certain  items  is  given,  which, 
it  is  believed,  will  be  interesting  and  suggestive.  The  names  of  the 
Alumni  who  are  still  living  are  printed  in  small  capitals. 

Our  Seminary  has  never  had  a  Matriculation  Book,  This  is  a  great 
desideratum.  The  General  Synod  should  take  action  without  delay  for 
an  elaborately  prepared  volume,  in  which  each  student  at  his  entrance 
into  the  Seminary  shall  record  his  name,  the  place  and  date  of  his 
birth,  his  parentage,  the  Literary  Institution  from  which  he  was  grad- 
uated, and  such  other  particulars  as  the  wisdom  of  the  Synod  may  deem 
proper. 

ABBREVIATIONS. 

A.  C. — Amherst  College. 

A.  G. — Amsterdam  Gymnasium,  Holland. 

A.  S. — Andover  Seminar)-. 
Al.  S. — Alleghany  Seminary. 

Arn.  C. — Amheim  College,  Holland. 

B.  C— Beloit  College. 

C.  C. — Columbia  College  (Kings). 

C.  C.  X.  Y. — College  of  the  City  of  New  York. 
C.  N.  f. — College  of  New  Jersey. 
Cor.  U. — Cornell  University. 

C.  U.  I. — Central  University  of  Iowa. 
Dav.  C. — Davidson  College. 

D.  C. — Dickinson  College. 

G.  R.  M.  H. — Ger.  Ref.  Mission  Home,  Sheboygan,  Wis. 

Gum.  G. — Gumbinnen  Gym.,  Germany. 

H.  C— Hope  College,  Mich. 

Ham.  C. — Hamilton  College. 

Har.  U. — Harvard  University. 

Hob.  C. — Hobart  College. 

J.  C. — Jefferson  College. 

L.  F.  C— La  Fayette  College. 

M.  C. — Middlebury  College. 

M.  U. — Michigan  University. 

N.  B.  S. — New  Brunswick  Seminary. 

N.  VV.  S. — Northwestern  Seminary. 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE.  491 

P-  S.  — Princeton  Seminar^'. 

Q.  C— Queens  College. 

R.  C. —  Rutgers  College. 

S.  A.— Schenectady  Academy. 

S.  G.— Stuttgart  Gymnasium. 

U.  C. — Union  College. 

U.  G.— University  of  Gratz,  Ger. 

U.  M.— University  of  ^L^rburgh,  Ger. 

U.  N.  Y.— University  of  New  York. 

U.  Pa.— University  of  Pennsylvania. 

U.  S. —  Union  Seminary. 

w.  c. — Without  charge. 

W.  C— Williams  College. 

W.  R.  C— Western  Reserve  College. 

Y.  C. — Yale  College. 


31 


GENERAL    CATALOGUE. 


Rev.  Dr.  J.  H.  Livingston,  Professor  of  Sacred  Theology,  1784-1825.      Rev.  Dr.  H.  Meyer,  In- 
structor in  the  Sacred  Languages,  1784-91,  and  Lector  in  Theology,  1786-gi. 

Term 
NAMES. 

1783-86. 

Van  Harlingen,  John  M. 

1784-87. 

Bassett,  John 

Froeligh,  Moses.     .     .     . 
Kuypers,  Gerardus  Arents 

Lowe,  Peter 

Romeyn,  James  V.  C.  . 
Studdiford,  Peter.       .     . 

1785-88. 
Brinkerhoff,    George   G. 
Labagh,  Isaac.     .     . 
Leydt,  Peter.       .     . 
Lupton,  Brandt  Schuyler 
Romeyn,  Jeremiah. 
Stryker,  Peter.     .     . 

Van  Home,  Abram. 

1786-89. 
Demarest,  John. 

Smith,  Samuel. 

1787-90. 
Gray,  Andrew. 
Jackson,  John  F. 
Van  Vranken,  Nicholas  . 

1788-91 
Cornelison,  John. 

Prof.  Meyer  died,  1791. 
1789-92. 

Bogert,  David  Schuyler. 


College. 

of 

Death.   Age, 

Remarks. 

K 

[inistry. 

Q.  C.  1783 

27 

1813     52 

w.  c.  1795-1812 
Prof.   1812-13 

C.  C.  1786 

38 

1824    60 

Prof.   1804-12 

30 

1817     54 

46 

1833    67 

31 

1818     54 

S.  A.  1774 

53 

1840  75 

w.  c.  1833-40 

C.  C.  1786 

39 

1826  63 

25 

1813  62 

49 

1837   73 

Q.C.1785 

8 

1796   33 

w.  c.  1793-96 

C.  C.  1788 

I 

1789   26.? 

30 

1818    50 

Prof.  1 804-1818 

59 

1847   83 

Presb.  1809-10 
w.  c.  1812-47 

Q.C.I787 

52 

1840  77 

w.  c.  1835-40 

48 

1837   74 

Seceded. 1822 
w.  c.  1821-37 

II 

Presb.  1800 

29 

1819   55.? 

g.  C.I  788 

46 

1836   68 

w.  c.  13  yrs. 

14 

1804   42 

37       1828   59 


C.  C.  1790      47      1839  69 


Kuypers, William  Provost 
Ostrander,  Stephen    . 


59       1851    78 
53       1845   76 


Presb.    1796- 
1806;  1807-13 
w.  c.  1 3  yrs. 
Presb.    1805-13 
w.  c.  30  yrs. 
w.  c.  6  yrs. 


In  1792  the  Ref.  Dutch  Ch.  adopted  a  Constitution  and  assumed  complete  Independence. 
Rev.  Drs.  S.  Froeligh  and  D.  Romeyn,  Lectors  in  Theology,  1792-97. 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 


48S 


Term 

of 

Miiiibtry. 


19 

53 
10 

57 
40 


53 


NAMES.  College. 

1790-93 

Abeel.  John  Nelson.    .     .     C.N.  J.  1787 
Brower.  Cornelius.       .     .       C.  C.  1792 
Brush,  John  C.       .       .     . 
Kuypers,  Zcchariah  H.    . 
Van  Huysen,  Herman.     . 

1791-94. 
Rosegrant.  Elijah,  M.D.       Q.  C.  1791 
Sickles,  Jacob   ....      C.  C.  1792 
Johnson,  John  B   .     .     .       C.  C.  1792 

1792-95. 
Bork,  Christian.     .     .     . 

1793-96. 
Brokaw,  Abram     ...       Q.  C.  1793 

Cannon,  James  S  .  .  . 
Labagh,  Peter  .... 
Larzalere,  Jacob  .  .  . 
Mandeville,  Garret     .     . 

Yates,  Andrew  .... 


1794-97- 
Janeway,  Jacob  J  .     .     .      C.  C.  1794      61 

Kev.    Dr.  S.  Froeligh,  Prof.  Theol.,  1797-1822.      Rev.  Dr 
1795-98. 

Barcolo,  George    .     . 
Cornell,  John     .     .     . 


Duryea,  Philip  H.       .  . 

Eltinge,  Wilhelmus     .  . 

Manley,  William     .     .  . 
Meyer,  John  Hardenbergh 

Polhemus,  Henry  .     .  . 

Romeyn,  Benjamin    .  . 
Romeyn,  John  Brodhead 

Romeyn,  Thomas  .     .  . 

Van  Doren,  Isaac  .    .  . 

Vredenbergh,  John  S.  . 

Wyckoff,  Henry  V.      .  . 

1 796-1 799. 

Ten  Eyck,  Conrad       .  . 


Death.   Age. 


Kemarkb 


18 1 2   44     Presb.  1794-5 
1845   75     w.  c.  12  yrs. 

Presb. 1 796- 18- 
1850   79    w.  c.  9  yrs. 
1833   70? 

1832   66     Never  ordained 
1845   73     w.  c.  10  years. 
1803   34 

1823   65     A  Hessian  sold- 


52 

1846 

85 

Seceded,  1822; 
w.  c.  24  years 

56 

1852 

86 

Prof.  1826-52 

62 

1858 

85 

w.  c.  14  years 

38 

1834 

59 

w.  c. 6  years 

57 

1853 

78 

Presb.,  1804-15 
w.  c.  30  yrs. 

48 

1844 

76 

Cong.  1801-14 
w.  c.  8  years 

1858   84     Presb.,  1798- 

1828:  1839-58 

D.  Romeyn,  Pfof.  Theol.,  1797-1804. 


C.  C.  1795 

36 

1834  59 

\v.  c.  31  years 

37 

1035  61 

Presb.,  1800-21 
Teachr.,  1821-35 

C.  C.  1795 

52 

1S50  76 

C.  N.  J.  1796 

53 

1851  73 

8 

1S06 

C.  C.  1795 

8 

1S06  31 

C.  N.  J.  1794 

18 

1S16  44 
1798  24 

C.  C.  1795 

27 

1825  48 

Presb..  1S03-25 

U.C.  1797 

59 

1S57  So 

w.  c.  30  years 

67 

1S65  92 

Presb.,  1803-65 

O.C.  1794 

23 

1821  45 

37 

1S35  64 

Seceded,  1822 

45       1 344   88     W.C.I  8  years 


484 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


NAMES. 

1 797-1 800. 
Ostrander.  Henry    .     .     . 
Zabriskie,  John  L    .     .     . 

1798-1801. 
Froleigh,  Peter  Ditmars 
Schoonmaker,  Jacob  .     . 
Schureman,  John    .     .     . 

Toll,  John  C 

Van  Pelt,  Peter  I  .  .  . 
Vedder,  Herman  .  .  . 
Westervelt,  Ralph  A. 

1 799-1 802. 
Christie,  John  I  .     .     .     . 

Hardenbergh,  Charles  . 
Palmer,  Sylvanus    .     .     . 

X 800-1 803. 
Demarest,  James  D.     . 

Overbagh,  Peter  A.  .  . 
Schermerhorn,  Cor.  D  . 
Whitbeck,  Andrew.  .  . 
Vedder,  Henry 

1801-1804. 
Bogert,  Samuel.     .     .     . 
Brodhead,  Jacob.  .    .     . 
Van  Beuren,   Peter    .     . 
Westbrook,  Cornelius  D. 


Term 
College.  of         Death.   Age. 

Ministry. 


U.  C.  1799 
U.  C.  1797 

C.  C.  1799 
C.  C.  1799 
Q.  C.  1795 
U.  C.  1799 

c.  c.  1799 

U.  C.  1799 


71 
50 

26 
51 
17 

47 
59 
72 
21 


1871  91 
1850  71 

1827  45 

1852  75 

1818  40 

1848  70? 

1861  83 

1873  96 

1823  46 


Remarks. 


w.  c.  10  years 


Seceded,  1825 

Prof.,  181 5-18 
Seceded,  1822 
w.  c.  14  years 
w.  c.  9  years 
About  to  se- 
cede, 1823 

Presb.,  1802-12 
w.  c.  10  years 
19   1821  45? 
44   1846  76  Seceded,  1822 


C.  C.  1799   43   1845  64 


U.  .C  1797 


66   1869  89 

39   1842  63 
27   1830  50? 


Seceded,  1824 
w.  c.  16  years 
w.  c.  5  years 


U.  C.  1801 
U.  C.  1802 
U.  C.  1801 


1868  85 

1855  73 
1858  76 

1804-12.  Rev. 


Never  ordained 
w.  c.  9  years 

w.  c.  8  years 

fer.  Romeyn,  Prof,  ol 


51 
16 

54 

Prof.  Romeyn  died  1804.     Rev.  Dr.   Bassett,  Prof.  Langs. 
Hebrew,  1804-18. 

I 803-1 806. 

Brower,  Stephen  H.  .     .  i  ? 

Haliday,  Thomas.      .     .  U.  C.  1802 

Kittle,  Andrew  N.     .     .  U.  C.  1804  58 

Rowan,  Stephen  N.  .     .  U.  C.  1804  29 

1 804- 1 807. 

Demarest,   Cornelius  T.  C.  C.  1804  55       1862   76     Seceded  1824 

In  1807  a  Covenant  was   made  between  Queens  College  and  the   General   Synod  to  unite  the  Col- 
lege and  the  Seminary.     See  1S64. 

1805-1808. 

Bogardus,  Cornelius.  . 
Cuyler,  Cornelius  C.  . 
DeVoe,  David.  .  .  . 
Hasbrouck,  Jacob  R.  H. 
Hoffman,  Abram.      .     . 


1864   79 
1835   48 


Presbyt'n,  1806 
w.  c,  18  years 
Presb.  1819-25 


U.  C.  1806 


43 
42 

35 

46? 

48 


1812   32 

1850  67     Presb.  1833-50 
1843   60.'  w.  c.  4  years 
1 8  54  .>  70?  w.  c.  14  years 
1856   76     w.  c.  13  years 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 


485 


NAMES. 


College. 


Term 
of         Death.   Age. 
Ministry. 


Remarks. 


1876  Never  ordained 

1834  48 


1807-1810. 
Hendricks.  John.        .     .       U.  C.  i8oS 
LivinfTston.  Gilbert  R.   .       U.  C.  1805     24 

In  i8io  the  Seminary  wa.s  localrd  at  New  Bniaswick. 

Rev.  Dr.   Bassctt  resigned    i8u.     Rev.  Dr.  J.  M.  Van   Harlingen,  Prof.  Langs,  and   Ecc.   Hist. 
1811-13. 

1809-12. 

De  Witt.  Thomas.      . 
Mabon,  John  S. 


U.  C.  1808 
U.  C. 1806 


Barclay 

1810-13. 
Bronk,  Robert  .     . 
Wynkoop,  Peter  S. 


C.  N.  J.1810 
U.  C.  1807 


62     1874   83 

37     1849  65     Teacher,  1812-49 

Temp.  Prof.  Heb. 

1818-19. 

N.  B.  S.,  1809-10 

24     1837   48     w.  c.  3  years 
35     1S45   61 


Rev.  Dr.  Van  Harlingen,  died  1813. 
181 I-I4. 

Murphy,  James.  .  .  . 
Van  Santvoord,  Staats. 
Van   Vechten,  Jacob.    . 


43 
U.  C.  1811  68 
U.  C.  1809 


Vermeule,   Cornelius  C. 

1812-15. 
Marselus,  Nicholas  J.,  . 
Sluyter,  Richard.       .     . 
Wilson,  Abram  D.    .     . 


Q.  C. 1S12 
U.  C.  1810 


57 


45 


Formation  of  the  Theological  College   1815-64 
Past.  Theol.  1815-18. 


61 

28 

Q.  C.  1811      61 

Rev.  Dr. 


1813-1816. 

Bogardus,  William  R. 
Eltinge,  Cornelius  C. 
Johnson,  Isaiah  Y,    . 

Neal,  Ava 

Schultz.   Jacob  L 
1814-17. 
Alburtis,  John.      .     . 
Kissam,  Samuel    .     . 
Ludlow,  John.      •.     , 


Philips.  William  Wirt. 
Swartwout,  John      .     , 


U.  C.  1813  46 

Q.  C.  1812  27 

W.C.1813  8 

C.  C.  1810  23 

U.  C.  1813  36 

C.  C.  1812 

U.  C.  1813  51 

U.  C.  1814  40 


U.  C.  1S13      48 


1857   69     \v.  c.  2  years 
1882   92     w.  c.  18  years 
1 87 1    83     From  Assoc.  Ref. 

Sem.    1813.   \v.  c. 

22  years 
1S59  73  w.  c.  23  years 

1S76  84  w.  c.  iS  years 
1843  56 

1S76  87  w.c.  20  years 

John  Schureman,  Prof.  Ecc.  Hist,  and 


1862   70.'*  \v.  c.  6  years 

1S43    50 

1824  41 

1839   58.'  w.  c.  II  years 

1852   60    w.  c.  14  years 


1S6S   72 
1S57   64 


1865   69 
1814 


\v.  c.  23  years 

Prof.  Bib.  Lit. 

1819-23.     Provost 

U.     Pa.    1834-52  ; 

Prof.     Ecc.     Hist. 

1852-7 

Presb.  1S17-65 


486 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


NAMES. 

VanVranken, Samuel  A. 

Van  Zandt,  Peter.  .  . 
Vermeule,  Frederick.  . 
Wyckoff,  Issac  Newton 

1815-1818. 
Bogardus,  Cornelius. 
De  Freest,  David  R. 

Hasbrouck,  Stephen,  M.D. 

Hoff,  Brogun 

Monteith,  Walter.      .    . 


Prof.  Schureman  died,  1818. 
1816-1819. 

Brinkerhoff,  James  G. 
Du  Bois,  George.  .  . 
Fonda,  Jacob  D.  .  . 
Goetschius,  Stephen  Z. 

Peltz,  John,  .  .  . 
Rawls,  John.  .  .  . 
Romeyn.  James.  .  . 
Smaltz,  John  Henry. 
Vandervoort,  John  C. 
Van  Hook,  Isaac  A. 


Term 
College.  of         Death.   Age.  Remarks. 

Ministry. 

43     1 86 1    70     Prof.    Theology 

1841-61 
48     1865   70?  w.  c.  22  years 

N.  B.  S.,  1814-15 
Q.  C.  1813     52     1869  'J']     w.  c.  3  years 


U.  C.  1816 

36 

1854  69 

33 

1851    66 

Independent 

1825 

N.B.S.,  1815-16 

Q.  C.  1815 

37 

1855   61 

Presbyt.  7824-35 

U.  C.  1811 

16 

1834   50? 

Presbyt.   1820-9 
w.  c.  5  years 

60      1879  84    Seceded,  1824 


U.C.  1815 


-3 

37 
40? 


1844  44 
1856  63 
65? 


Rev.  Dr.  John  Ludlow,  Prof,  Bib.  Lit.  and  Ecc.  Hist.,  1819-23. 
1817-1820. 

Baldwin,  Eli.      .     .     .    U. 
Dewing,  Jared.       .     .     . 
Ferris,  Isaac 


Seceded,  1823  ; 
w.  c.  20  years? 
N.  B.  S. 1816-18 
7  w.  c.  3   years ; 

40       1859   62     w.  c.  8  years 
Q.  C.  1818      42       1861    65?   Ger.  Ref.,  1819 
Q.  C.  1818       32       1851    53     Presbyt.  1819-34 
C.  C.  1797       15       1834? 


C.  C.  1816 


Fisher,  Isaac  M.  ?. 
Ludlow,  Gabriel.   . 

Switz,  Abram  J.  . 
Van  Liew,  John.  . 
Weidman,  Paul.     . 

1818-1821. 
Dwight,  Maurice  W. 
Fort,  Abraham. 
Ketchum,  Isaac  S. 
Rouse,  Peter  P.*     . 


Col.Med.1817  19       1839  44 

Presbyt.  1822 
C.  C.  1816       53       1873   74     Chan.  N.  Y.  U. 

1852-70 
C.  C. 1817       19       1839  45? 
U.  C.  1817       58       1878   81     One  charge  for 

58  years 
U.  C.  1817       58       1878   93     w.  c.  36  years 
Q.  C.  1816      49       1869  71     Presb.  1820-5 
U.  C.  1818       32       1852   64     w.  c.  2  years 

C.  C.  1816       38  1859   63     w.  c.  4  years 

U.  C.  1810       39  i860  70 

42  1863   67     w.  c.  25  years 

U.  C.  1821       12  1833   35 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 


4«7 


Term 

College.  of 

Ministry. 

U.  C.    iSiS     51 


Dcaih.    Age. 


Rem.irk'; 


C.  C.  1S17 
(C.  N.  J.) 


7 

57 


1872    74     One  charge  58 

years 
1828   30?  Presb.  1823-5 
1878   81     Presb.  1822-32 

w.  c.  5  years 


N.AMES. 

Ten  Eyck,  Jacob  Briiyn. 

Funck,  Seymour  P.    .     . 
Wilson,  Joseph.     .     .     . 

1819-22. 
Dey.  Richard  Varick. 

McClure,  John.       .     .     . 
Stryker,  Herman  B.   . 
Taylor,  Benjamin  C. 

Vanderveer,  John.      .     . 


Van  Vechten,  Samuel.    . 
Wynkoop,  Richard.    .     . 

1820-23 
Blair,  Robert  J.      .     .     . 
Blauvelt  William  W. 

Center,  William.    .     .     . 

Ferry,  William  M.      .     . 
Helffenstein,  Samuel.     . 
Vanderveer,  Ferdi- 
nand H.       U.C.  1820       58       1881    8r 

Rev.  Prof.  Ludlow,  resigned  1823.     Rev.  Dr.  John  De  Witt,  Prof.  Bib.  Lit.  and  Ecc.  Hist.  1823- 
25.     Rev.  Prof.  Froeligh  suspended  for  secession,  1823. 

1821-24. 

Abeel,  Gustavus.  . 
Bennett,  Asa.  .  .  . 
Cruikshank,  William. 
Garretson  John  K.  . 
Hardenbergh,  James  B. 
Helffenstein,  Albert. 


N.  B.  S.  1819-21; 

Presb. 

3 

1825 

27? 

49 

1871 

n 

\v.  c.  24  yrs. 

C.N.J.1819 

59 

1881 

So 

1819-20  In  Dr. 
Mason's  Sch. 

C.N.J. 1817 

56 

1878 

78 

Presb.  1824-7 
Teacher  1827-54 
w.  c.  24  yrs. 

U.C.  1818 

60 

1882 

86 

w.  c.  38  yrs. 

C.  C.  1819 

20.? 

1842 

44 

N.B.S.  1819-21; 
Presb.  1826  42 

44 

1867 

67 

w.  c.  37  yrs. 

0.  C.  1814 

N.  B.  S.  1820-2; 
Presb. 

Mid.  C.  1819 

Assoc.Reformed 

1820-2 

N.  B.  S.  i82c^i 

Ger.  Ref.  1820-1 

Meeker,  Stephen  H. 
Messier,  Abram.  .  .  . 
Morris,  Jonathan  F.  . 
Sears,  Jacob  C.  .  .  . 
Slingerland,  Elbert.  .  . 
Van   Keurcn,  Benjamin. 


U.C. 

1823 

61 

w.  C.  1 864- 

34 

1858 

68 

w.  c.  13  yrs. 

U.C. 

1821 

30 

1854 
1822 

56 

u.  c. 

1821 

46 

1S70 

70 

\v.  c.  14  yrs. 
N.B.S.  1821-2; 
Ger.  Ref. 

c.  c. 

I82I 

52 

1876 

n 

U.C. 

I82I 

58 
61 

1882 

82 

w.  c.  1S32- 

U.C. 

IS21 

57 

1881 

83 

51 

1875 

75 

\v.  c.  9  yrs 

41 

1865 

65? 

• 

Presb.    1837-56 
w.  c.  9  yrs 

488 


NAMES. 


CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

Term 
College.  of         Death,   Age.  Remarks. 

Ministry. 


Van  Olinda,  Duow.    .     ,  34       1858    58 

Wyncoop,   Jefferson.      U.C.  1819.      61  Presb.  1840-54 

w.  c.  1854- 
Yates,  John  Austin.       .       U.  C.  1821       25       1849   48     Prof,  in  U.  C. 

Rev.  Prof .  Livingston  died  Jan.  ip,  1825  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Philip  Milledoler,  Prof.  Did.  and  Pol.  The- 
ology, Jan.,  1825-41  :   Rev.  Dr.  De  Witt,  Prof.  Bib.  Lit.,  1825-31. 

1822-25. 

Beekman,  Jacob  T.  B.  .      U.  C.  1822       50      1875   74    Presb.  1847-75 
Fisher,  George  H      ,     .      C.  C.  1821       47       1872   72     w.  c.  7  yrs. 
Tarbell,  John  G.    .     .     ,     Har.U.  1820  w.  c.  1840- 

Van   Kleek,  Richard  D.       U.  C.  1822      45      1870   70}   A  teacher  for  30 

yrs. 

Rev.  Dr.  S.  W.  Woodhull,  Prof.  Ecc.  Hist.,  Ch.  Gov.  and  Pastoral  Theology.  Sept.  1825— Mar. 
1826. 

1823-26. 

Abeel,  David 


20       1846   42     For.  Missionary, 

1831-46 

D.  C.  1823      46       1872  70.'   w.  c.  2  yrs. 

39  1865  65?  Cong.  1833-65 
U.  C.  1823  49  1875  74  Presb.  1866-9 
U.  C.  20       1846   45     w.  c.  10  yrs 

39       1865    60     w.  c.  6  yrs. 
D.  C.     (?)       43       1869  65     Episcopalian 

1845 
C.N.  J.  1822     25       1851    46     Seceded  i83i;In- 

dependent 1832 
D.  C.  1823      49       1875    76     w.  c.  9  yrs. 
U.  C.  1822       18       1844  42 
U.  C.  1823       18       1844  46 
D.  C.  1823      47       1873   72     Presb.  1827-8; 

1 840-2 

Rev.  Prof.  Woodhull  died  Mar.  1826.      Rev.  Dr.  J.  S.  Cannon,  Prof.  Ecc.  Hist,,  Ch.  Gov.,  and 
Past.Theol.,  1826-1852. 


Boice,  Ira  Condict. 
Dumont,  A.  Henry. 
Garretson,  John.    . 
Heermance,  Henry. 
Labagh,  Abram  L 
Labagh,  Isaac  P.  . 


Paulizon,  Christian  Z.  . 

Van  Cleef,  Cornelius.  . 
Van  Wagenen,  John  H. 
Westfall,  Benj.  B.  .  , 
Whitehead,  Charles. 


1824-27. 

Holmes,  Edwin.    .     .     . 

U.C.  1822 

47 

1873   76 

w.  c.  15  yrs. 

McKelvey,  John.       .     . 

Belfast  Col. 
1821 

8 

1835?  34? 

Stevenson,  James  B.     . 

37 

1864  66 

Van  Dyck,  Leonard  B. 

U.  C.  1824 

50 

1877  75? 

Presb.  1827-77 

1825-28. 

Lee,  Robert  P.     .     .     . 

D.  C.  1824 

30 

1858   55 

Quaw,  James  E.     .     .     . 

17 

1845  45.? 

w.  c.  9  yrs ;  lost 
on  Lake  Erie 

Raymond,  Henry  A. 

Y.  C.  1825 

49 

1877   73 

w.  c.  6  yrs. 

1826-29. 

Cole,  Isaac  D 

51 

1878   79 

w.  c,  14  yrs. 

GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 

Death.   Age 


489 


Term 
NAMES.  College.  of 

Ministry 

Demarest,  James,  M.D.      Coll.  Phys.     $6 

&  Surgeons  1826. 
Mandeviile,  Henry.  .     .       U.  C.  1826       29 
Talmage.  James  R.    .     .      C.N.J.  1826    50 
Van  Dyck,  Cornelius  L.       U.  C.  1826       37 
Wack,  Charles  P.       .     .  37 

Woodward,  J.  G.  .     .     . 

1827-30. 
Amerman.  Thomas  A.  .       A.  C.  1827       10? 
Beveridge,  James.      .     . 
Hunt,  Christopher.    .     .       R.  C.  1827        9 
Kip,  Franxis  M.    .    .    .      C.  C.  1826    55 
Liddell,  John  A  .    .     .     .      Glas- 
gow and  St. 
Andrews,  1826      20 


Remarks. 

w.  c.  1859 


1858    54 

1879    71 
1866    62 

1866  62.^  Ger.  Ref. 1845-52 
N.  B.  S.  1826 


Presb.  1832-35 
Assoc.  Ref.  1S27-8 


1839  40.' 


1850  44 


Mann,  Alexander  M   . 

R.  C. 

1827 

55 

Presb.,  1862-65 
w.  c.  1S65- 

Marcellus,  Aaron  A.     .     . 

U.  C. 

1826 

30 

i860  61 

Meyers,  Abraham  H     . 

'• 

1827 

55 

w.  c.  1S78- 

Pitcher,  John  Henry  .     . 

" 

" 

49 

1879  70.' 

w.  c.  3  years 

Van  Riper.  Garrabrant     . 

C,  N.J. 

" 

1828   21 

Wells,  Ransford     .     . 

R.C. 

'• 

55 

w.  c.  1881- 

1828-31. 

Bevier,  John  H  .     ,     .     . 

49 

1880   75 

w.  c.  7  years 

Gushing,  David  .... 

18  (?) 

Presb.  1835-49 

Gregory,  Oscar  H. 

A.  C. 

1828 

54 

w.  c.  1870- 

Manley,  John 

R.C. 

" 

39 

1870   70? 

w.  c.  4  years 

Van  Arsdale,  Cornelius  C 

" 

" 

25 

1856    50 

w.  c.  5  years 

Rev.  Prof.  De  Witt  died  October  ii 

,  1831.     Dr 

.  McClt 

:lland. 

Prof,  of  Bib.  Literature,  June  1S32 — 51. 

1829-32. 

Baldwin,  John  C.     .     .     . 

29 

I861     55.? 

Presb.,  1832- 
61. 

Garretson,  Garret  I.    .     . 

R.  C.  ] 

[S29 

21 

1S53   45 

Robbins,  John  V.    .     .     . 

" 

'• 

1830 

Rogers,  Leonard.    .     .     . 

6 

i83«   35? 

w.  c.  4  years 

ScHANK,  Garret  Con- 

over. 

R.C. 

1828 

53 

w. c.  1853- 

Schoonmaker,  Richard 

Ludlow. 

"      J 

1829 

50 

1S82   70.? 

Presb.,  1835-6 

Schwartz,  Benjamin.  . 
Van  Liew,  John  Cannon. 


29 


w.  c.  2  yrs. 
1830 
1 86 1    55.'  Presb..  1849- 

1850.  w.  c.4yrs. 


490 


CENTENNIAL    MEMORIAL. 


NAMES.  College. 

Warner,  Alexander  H.   . 


1830-33- 
Bassler,  Benjamin 
Brush,  William. 
Lusk,  Matthias.      . 
Quinn,  Robert  A. 


Van,  Aken  Enoch       .     . 
Van,  Arsdale  Jacob  R    . 

1831-34. 
Cooper,  William  H.    ,    . 
Currie,  Robert  Ormiston 
Nevius,  Elbert. 

Stimpson,  Edward  P.     . 
Thomson,  Fred.  Borc^ine 

Westfall,  Simon  V.  E.     . 
Williamson,  Peter  S. 

1832-36. 
Ennis,  Jacob.       .      .       .       R.  C.  il 


Term 
of         Death.    Age. 
Ministry. 


Remarks. 


50       1882   75.5    Chaplain      in 
State  Prison 
9  yrs.;   w.  c.  8 
yrs. 


U.  C. 

1830 

33 

1866 

58 

R.  C. 

" 

52 

w.  c. 1874 

" 

SO 

1883 

76 

w.  c.  35  yrs 

20 

1863 

60 

Chaplain  at  Sail- 
lors'  Snug  Har- 
bor 1 1  yrs. 
Murdered 

R.  C. 

1830 

55 

18S5 

n 

P.  S.  1832-3 

" 

" 

38 

1871 

63? 

w.  c.  7  yrs 

R.  C. 


1831 
1829 
1830 

1834 
1831 


C.  N. J.  1824 


Lillie,  John.       .     .     . 
Polhemus,  Abraham. 
Terrill,  Lewis  H. 
Youngblood,  William 

1832-36. 
De  La  Vergne,  James 
Doty,  Elihu.      .     .     . 

Hillman,  Alexander  C. 
Michael,  Daniel.     .     . 
Quick,  Peter  J.  .    . 
Reiley,  William.    . 
Scribner,  John  M. 
Waring,  Hart  E.    .     . 

1834-37- 
Allen,  Peter.     .     .     . 


.  Univ. Ed." 
.      R.C.    " 

.      R.C.  1831 


•    N.  B.  S.  1831-2 
32       1866  60 
51  For.  Miss.  1838- 

1844 
27  Deposed  1869 

15       1849   39     For.  Miss.  1838- 

1849 
22       1856    54 
46       1880   70?  Teacher.  1842-80 

6  For.  Miss.  1836- 

1840.     Deposed 
32       1867    55     Presb.  1858-67 
22       1857   45 

N.  B.  S.  1832-4 
24       1859   59     For.  Miss.  1836- 
49.    w.  c.  10  yrs. 


R.C.  1835        28 


C.C.  1832 
R.C.  1833 
R.C.    " 
R.C.    " 
U.C.    " 
R.C.    " 


40 
29 

49 
49 

44 


N.  B.  S.  1833-5 
1S64   55?  For.  Miss.   1836- 

1864 
1S76   65?  w.  c.  20  yrs. 
1865    55?  w.  c.  18  yrs. 

w. c.  1866- 

1880  70?  w.c.  32  yrs. 
Presb.  1843 


25   1862  54 


NAMES. 

Chambers,  Talbot 

Wilson 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 

Term 


491 


College. 

R.C.  1834 

U.C.     " 


of  Death.   Age. 

Miniitrv. 


Remark" 


Cruikshank,  John  C. 
Demarest,  John  Ter- 

HUNE       R.C.    " 
Demarest,  William.     .    .       C.C.   " 

DURYEA.JOHN   H.      .        .        R.C.     " 

Gordon,  William  R.   .  U.N.Y.  " 
Heermance,  Harrison.    .      R.C.    " 

Knox,  John  P.     .      .      .        "       1830 
Mesick,  John  F.      .      .       "       1834 

Pohlman,  William  J. 

Wiggins,  Ebenezer.     .     .  U.N.Y.  " 

1835-38. 
Brett,    Philip  Milledoler     R.  C.  1834 
Clark,  Robert  C. 


Harriman,  Orlando 


C.  C.  1835 


Van  Doren,  John  Adi- 

SON     R.C. 
Van  Santvoord,  Cor- 
nelius   U.  C. 


Wyckoff,  Cornelius.     .      .    R.  C.  " 

1836-39. 
Ackerson,  John  H.    .     . 

Crawford,  John  B.     ,  R.  C.  1S36 

Elmenderf,  Anthony.     . 
Johnson,  Edward  D.      .  "         " 

Johnson,  John  G.      .     . 
Moore,  William  S.    . 
Quackenbush,    Dan- 
iel McLaren      C.  C.     " 
Quick,  John  J.     .     .     . 

Wright,  William       .     . 


48 

48 

37 
48 
48 
46 

45 


41 


N.  B.  S.  1835-36 
P.  S.  1836-3S 
w.  c.  1868- 


1S74  61 

w.  c.  1880- 
1883  70?  Presb.  1840-43 

w.  c.  18  yrs. 
1S82  71  Presb.  1854-82 

Ger.  Ref.  1840-55 

w. c.  18S2- 
1849  37  For.  Miss.  1838- 

49.  Lost  at  sea 
1878  65.?  w.  c.  8  yrs. 

i860  42 


License    with- 

• 

drawn  at  his  own 
request,  1844 
Episcopalian, 
1840- 

47 

w.  c.  1872- 

47 

N.  B.  S.  1835-6 
P.  S.  1836-8 
w.  c.  1S76- 

32 

1870 

60 

5 

w.c.  1 844-46;  de- 
posed 184S 

I 

1S40 

26 

27 

1 866 

53 

Episcopalian 

31 

1870 

56 

46 

w.  c. 

46 

Assoc.  Ref.  1841-7 

46 

Presb.;  w.c.  since 

1868 
N.  B.  S.  1836 

492 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


NAMES. 
1837-40 

Alliger,  John  Benj. 
Bookstaver,  Jacob.  . 
Demarest,  David  D. 
De  Puy,  Ephraim. 


Term 
College.  of 

Ministry. 


Death.   Age. 


Remarks. 


R.  C.  1835     45 
"     1837 

45 

"     1835      45 


Jones.  Gardner.    .     .     . 

Knieskern,  Joseph.  . 
MiLLSPAUGH,  Alex- 
ander C. 
Myer.Gilbcrt  McPhed- 
rick 
Randall,  Peter  George 
Thompson,  William  J. 


8       1848   31 


Janeway,  John  L.  .    .  "     1836  45 

Jancway,  William  R.     .  "      1837 

Pitts,  Robert "        "  38 

Schenck,  George.     .     .  Y.  C.     "  12 

Schenck,  Martin  Luther  R.  C.     "  33 

Sheffield,  John  H.     .     .U.  N.  Y.  1837  23 

Staats,  John  A.    .    .  R.  C.  1836  45 

Steele,  Wm.  Henry.  "      1837  45 

Stryker,  Isaac  P.     .     .  <<        <<  3 


Van  Amhurgh,  Robt.  "        "        45 

Van  Doren,  William 

Theodore.  "        "        45 

Whitbeck,  John.  .    .         «<        «        45 

1838-41 

Clute,  J.  M 

Cornell,    James    A. 
Hervey. 

Drake, Francis  Topping 


1838     44 
26 


R.  C.  1838     44 

44 

5 

"      1834      26 

"      1838 


Turner,  William  E.         "      1838  44 

Watson,  John.     ...  <<         •<  23 

WOODBRIDGE,       SaM- 

uel  M.  U.N.  Y.  "  44 


1878  65 
1852  36 
1873  56 
1863  52 


1842  31 


w. c.  1870- 

prof.Theol.I865 

Episcopalian 

1857- 
Presb.  1850- 
N,  B.  S.  1837-8 
w.  c.  18  yrs 


w.  c.  14  yrs 
w.  c.  1866- 
For.  Miss.  1842- 
49  ;  w.  c.  1849- 
For.  Miss.  1840- 
42  ;  died  at  Sing- 
apore 

Presb.  1848-53  ; 
w.  c.  1870 

For.Miss.  1 840-42 
Presb.  1845-52  ; 
w.  c.  1862- 

N.  B.  S.  1838-9 


w.  c.  1879- 
1867   62     Presb.    1853-63  ; 
w.  c.  4  yrs 
Became    a    Ro- 
man Catholic 
w.  c.  1872- 


1846   31 
1 841 
T867    55 


1864   54 


Classical  teacher 

1 846-67 
w.  c.  1875- 
Presb.  1847-64 

Prof.Theol.1857- 
Dean  of  Semi- 
nary 1883 


NAMES. 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE 
College 


l!i:i 


Term 
of  Death.    Apr. 

Ministry. 


Remark' 


Rev.  Prof.  Miliedoler  resigned  1841.     Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  A.  Van  Vrankcn,  Prcf.  of  I)I<1.  and  P 
Theol..  1841-61. 

1839-42. 

Blauvelt.  Cornelius  J.  . 
Collins,  Barnabas  V. 

CRISPKII.   C0RNKLIU.S 

Eltinge 

De  Witt.  John.    .    .    . 

Du  Bois,  John.  .  .  . 
Hali.oway.Wi^liamW. 
Hammond,    Eben    S.     . 


Himrod,  John  S.  .     ,     . 
HuLBERT,  Victor 

MOREAU 

Lansing,  Jacob  A.     .     . 
Mills,  Samuel 

WiCKHAM 

Porter,  Elbert 

Stothoff 
Ryerson.  Abram  G.  . 
schoonmaker 

Martin  V. 
ScHULTz.  John 

Newton 
Taylor,  Andrew  13. 
Willis,  Ralph  .  .  . 
Winfield,  Aaron  Burr. 
Wyckoff,  Theodore  F.  . 

1840-43. 

Bennet,  Jaqucs    .     .     . 
Ganse,  Hervey  D. 
Miller,  Isaac  L.  Kipp.  . 
Van  Wyck,  George  P. 
Williamson,  Geort^e  R. 


39 

1881 

68 

w.  c.  3  years 

L.  F. 

C. 

35 

1877 

(^l 

w.  c.  10  years 

R.  C. 

i«,39 

43 

Prof,  of  Theol- 
Of,'y,  1867-79 

1838 

43 

Prof,  of  Theol- 
ogy, 1863- 

U.  C. 

i«39 

42 

1884 

72 

R.  C. 

" 

43 

Prcsb.  i.';72- 

3' 

i«73 

5« 

True  Ref.  Dutch 
1858-60;  w.  c.  9 
years 

41 

1.S83 

70 

vv.  c.  4  years 

43 

w.  c.  1803- 

14 

1856 

64 

w.  c.  8  years 

R.  C. 

1838 

43 

w.  c.  1871- 

C.N.J 

.1839 

43 

w.  c.  1883- 

R.  C. 

" 

43 

w.  c.  1865- 

U.  C. 

" 

43 

R.  C. 

•• 

43 
43 
43 

Presbyt.  1857- 
w.  c.  1880- 

" 

" 

14 

1856 

41 

Presbyt.   1841-44 

'3 

1855 
1842 

35 

Died  at  St. 
Thomas,  W.  1. 

c.  c. 

•«39 

42 

Presbyt.  1876- 

R.  C. 

1840 

42 

1846 

Presbyt.  1S52- 

9 

1852 

29 

Death  by  e.x plo- 
sion of  the  boiler 
of  steamer  Rein- 
deer, on  the  Hud- 
son 

Williamson,  N.  D.  B 


42 


494 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


NAMES. 

1841-44. 

Cornell.  William  A.     . 
Gardner,  John.     .     .     . 
Hopper,  Samuel  G. .     . 
Mabon, Willi  AM  A.V.V. 
McNeish,    David    . 
Oakey,  Peter  D.  .    . 

RoMONDT,  Chas.  R.  V. 
See,  John  Limberger 

Taylor,William  J.  R. 
Thomas,  William.  .  . 
Vedder,  Edwin.  .  . 
Vermilye,  Ashbel  G. 

Watson,  William.    .     . 

1842-45. 
Bailey,  William    . 
Boyse,  Gerard       .     . 
Knox,  James  H.  M.  . 


College. 
1841 

C.     " 
C.     " 

.  C.  1 840 
C.  1841 


U.  N.Y.I  840 


Term 

of 

Ministry. 

32 

37 

41 
10 

41 

41 
41 

41 

2 

41 
41 


Death.   Age. 


Remarks. 


R.  C.  1842      40 
C.  C.  1 841     40 


Lansing,  John  A.      .     .     U.  C.  1842      39 
Lloyd,  Aaron    .    .    .    R.  C.     "        40 


Miller,  William  A.  .     . 
Milne,  Charles 
Minor,  John  .... 
Romaine,   Benjamin  F. 

Simonson,  John  .  .  . 
Smith,  Nicholas  E.  . 
Strong,  Thomas  C.  . 
Talmage,  Goyn  .  . 
Talmage,  John  Van  N. 
VooRHis,  Jacob  N.  . 
West,  Jacob    .... 

Wyckoff,  Abraham    V. 

1 843-46. 
Chapman,  Nathan   F. 


U.  C. 


C. 
C. 


"      1841 
U.  C.     " 
R.  C.  1842 


40 
31 

40 
40 
40 
40 
40 
40 
40 


1844    39 


1876    55     w.  c.  24  years 


!i    67 


1854   34 


Prof.Theol.  1881- 

Pres.  1850-70  ; 
again  1876- 
w.  c.  1863- 
Sec.  Board  of  Ed- 
ucation, 1861-84 


1846   33 

Presbyt.     1843-63, 
w.  c.  1882- 
184 1 -2.  Left  on  ac- 
count of  ill  health 

w.  c. 1883- 
1842-3 
Presb.1853;  Pres- 
sident  of  La  Fay- 
ette Coll.,  1884— 
1884   60     Sec.     Board     of 
Pub.  1866-75 
Presbyt.  1848-50 
w.  c.  1860- 
w.  c.  4  yrs. 
Junior  year 


18         1863   39 


1876   56    Sec.    Ohio   Col. 
Soc. 

w.  c.  1881- 
Cong.,  1871- 
Pres.  1871-83 

For.  Miss.  1847- 
w.  c. 

Sec.    Bd.     Dom. 
Missions,  1868 


1852   29 


Pres.  1874— Si,  w. 
c.  1881 


ULNLKAL  LATALOGLL. 


495 


NAMES. 

CoMPTON,  James  M.  . 
DuTCHER,  Jacob  C.  . 
MuRDEN.  Benjamin  F. 
Seeber,  Safrenus  .  . 
Spauld INC. Cyril  . 
Stewart.  Abel  T.  .  . 
Van  Cleef,  Paul  D.  . 
Van  Neste,  George  J. 

1844-47. 
Bellinger.  J.  W.    .     .     . 
CoNKLiN.  Nathaniel 
Davenport,  Jerome  A. 
Lord,  Daniel    .    .    . 

Manning,  [ohn  Henrv  . 
Steele,  Richard  H.    . 

Van  Nest,  Abraham  R. 
Whitehead,   J.   E.     .     . 

1845-4S. 
Eltinge.  Cornelius  D. 
Hammond,  John  W. 

Peltz,  Philip 

Searle,  Samuel  Tomb. 
Steele.  John.  .  .  . 
Stitt,  Charles  H.  ,  .  . 
Stryker,  Peter.  .  . 
Ten  Eyck,  William  H. 
Todd,  John  Adams. 
Van  Brunt,  Rutgers. 

Van  Wyck,  Polhemus.   . 

1846-49. 
ANDER.SON,  William.    . 

Eckel,  Henrj- 

Ferris,  John  Mason.    . 


Hedges,  Hugh  G. 
Phelps,  Philip  Jr. 


Term 
College.  ol  Death.   Age. 

Mmistry. 


Remarks. 


** 

** 

39 

1 

1S43 

39 
39 

w.  c.  1880- 
Presbyt.  1854- 

5 

1851 

40 

1S41 

39 

•• 

'843 

32 
39 

1878 

56 

1S42 

39 

1845 

1 

[844 

38 
38 

Presbyt.  1S70- 
EpiscopaKn  1854- 

U.Pa. 

38 

Cong.  1865-69. 
Pres.  1869-78 

R.  C. 

" 

31 

38 

1878 

w.  c.  5  yrs. 
Presbyt.  1847-52  ; 
again  1881- 

i 

;S4i 

38 

w.  c.  1883- 
1844-5 

R.  C. 

1844 

n 

w.  c.  1861- 

28 

1876 

57 

U.  Pa 

.1845 

35 

1883 

59 

U.  C. 

1845 

37 

R.  C. 

1845 

11 

R.  C. 

1844 

33 

1881 

62 

R.  C. 

1S45 

37 

Presb.  1868- 

R.  C. 

1845 

37 

w.  c.  1874 

R.  C. 

1845 

37 

Hob.c 

,  1840 

15 

1863 

43 

Presb.  1851-57 
\v.  c.  2  yrs. 

R.C. 

1843 

34 
36 

1882 

62 

w.  c.  14  yrs. 

U.  Pa. 

1846 

6 

1835 

r- 

U.  N.  Y 

. 1843  36 

Prof,  in  Holland 

Acad.  1864-5 

Sec.  Bd.  For. 

Miss.  1865- 

R.C. 

1S46 

N.  B.  S.  1846-8 

U.  C. 

1S44 

36 

Prm.  of  Holland 
Acad,  and  Pres- 
ident of  Hope 
College,  1859-7S 

496 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


NAMES. 

RoMEYN,  Theodore  B. 
Schenck,  John  W.  .  . 
Snyder,  Benjamin  F.  . 
Van  Woert,  Jacob  H. 

1847-50. 

Berry,  James  Romeyn. 
Dater,  Henry.  .  .  . 
Du  Bois,  Anson.       .    . 

Galusha,  Watts.     .     .  . 

Lente,  James  R.  .    .  . 

LiPPiNCOTT,  Benj.  C.  . 

LocKwooD,  Samuel.  . 

Scudder,  Samuel.       .  . 

Strong,  J.  Pascal.  .  . 

Taylor,  Wesley.      .     .  . 

Voorhees,  Henry  V.  . 


Term 
College.  of         Death.   Age. 

Ministry. 

R.  C.  1846  36 

R.  C.  1845  32   1881  56 

R.  C.  1846  36 

R.  C.  1846  33   1882 


R.  C.  1847  35 
R.  C.  1847  35 
R.C.  1847   35 


R.  C.  1847 

R.  C.  1842  35 

R.  C.  1S47  35 

U.N. Y.I 847  35 
R.  C.  1847 

R.  C.  1845  35 

R.  C.  1847  8 

R.  C.  1847  35 


1848 


Prof.  McClelland  resigned  1851.     Rev.  Dr.  ^V.  H.  Campbell,  Frof.  Bib 


Remarks. 

Presb.  1868-72 
Presb.  1868- 
w.  c.  II  yrs. 


Presb.  1870- 
w.  c.  1877- 
Sec.  Bd.  Doni. 
Miss.  1859-62 
Episcopalian 
vv.  c.  1863- 

w.  c. 1868- 


w.  c.  1854- 
w.  c.  1878-81 
Presb.  1881- 

Lit.,  1851-63. 


1848-51. 

Bern  ART,  James  E.  . 
Buckelew,  William  D 
Case,  Calvin.  .    ,    . 
Comfort,  Lawrence  L. 
Elmendorf,  Peter. 
Furbeck,  George.  .     . 


How,  Henry  Kollock. 


R.  C.  il 


U.  C.     " 
R.  C.  1845 
U.  C.  1846 


R.  C.  1842 


Rockwell,  George 
Schriver,  Thomas  G. 
Scott,  Charles. 


34 
34 
34 
28 


Jansen,  John  N.      .    .      R.  C.  1848      34 
Mandeville,  Giles  H.        "        "  34 


34 


1884   34 


1879  57 
1851 
1851  30 


w.  c.  1881- 


w.  c.  1865-84 


Died  3  days  be- 
fore the  time 
fixed  for  his  or- 
dination 
Left  Senior  year 
on  account  of  ill 
health 
w.  c.  1883- 

Sec. 


3j- 
w.  c.  1881. 
Bd.  Ed.  1884- 
w.  c.  1877- 
N.  B.  S.  1848-9 
Lector,  H.S.1867 
Vice-Pres.  Hope 
C.  1878— Prof,  in 
H.  C  — 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 


497 


NAME?. 
Scudder,  Joseph 


VanVranken  Adam  H.       R.  C. 
Wilson.  James  B.  .    . 

1849-52. 
Collier,  Joseph,  A.    .     . 
Gaston,  John.     ... 
JULiEN,  Robert  D. 

See,  Isaac  M.      .    .    . 

Van  Gieson,  A.  P.  .     .    U,  N.  Y. 


Term 

liege. 

of 
Minislrj'. 

De.it  h. 

Age 

:.             Rem.irks. 

1848 

25 

1876 

50 

For.  Miss.  1851- 
1860.  Chaplain 
in  Union  Army. 
Sec.  of  Am.  and 
For.  Ch  Union, 
1861-72 

1848 

29 

34 

1880 

56 

1849 

12 
33 
33 

33 

1864 

36 

Presbyt.   1862- 
Teacher 
Presbyt.  1872-8 
Indep.  1878- 

33 


Prof.  Cannon  died  July  25,  1882. 

Rev.  Dr.  John  Ludlow,  Prof.  Past  .Theol.,  Eccl.  Hist,  and  Got.  1852-57. 

185(^53. 

Elmendorf,  .Joachim 


Jones,  Nathan  W.  . 
Kershow,  Joseph  H. 
McNair,  John  L.  . 
Searle,  Stephen  .  . 
See,  William  G.  E. 
Shepard,  Charles  I. 

1851-54, 
Collier.  EzraW.     . 
Fonda,  Jesse  D.    . 
Lane,  Gilbert 


Letson,   William   W. 
MuLLER,  John.    .    . 
Stillwell,  Aaron  L.     .     . 

Stout,  Nelson 

Terhune,  Edward  P. 

1852-55. 
De  Baun,  John  A.   .    . 

JORAL.MON',  J.SaXSO.M.    . 

Livincstox,  Edw'i)  P. 
Mohn,  Leopold,     .     .     . 
Schneeweiss,  Franz  M. 
32 


R.  C. 

1S50 

32 
23 
32 

U.  C. 

32 

32 

R.  C. 

•' 

32 
32 

R.  C. 

184S 

15 

R.  C. 

1851 

31 

1876 


I8S5  56 


1869  43 


31 


R.  C.  1851       10 


1864   36 
1854   37 


1850      31 


1832 

30 

** 

30 

" 

30 

30 

30 

1885   55 


w.  c.  1862-76 
Presbyt.  1870-76 


w.  c.  2  yrs. 
N.  B.  S.  1851-2 
Ger.Ref.  1S55-57; 
Presbyt.  1S60-66; 
w.  c.  1877- 


Presb.  1854-59 
Cong.  1879-84 


For.  Miss.  1855- 
1858 


w. c.  1858- 


498  CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 

Term 
NAMES.  College.  of  Death. 

Ministry. 

SCHNELLENDREUSSLER,  H.  F.  F.  30 

Schwedes,  Franz  R.    .     .  i 

SCUDDER,  EZEKIEL  C.      .    W.  R.  C.  1850       30 


SCUDDER,  JaRED  W.    .      .  "  "  30 

Van  Vleck,  John.    .     .     .     R.  C.  1852        10 


Wells,  Cornelius  Low.  "        "         30 

Zabriskie,  Francis  N.   .    U.  N.Y.  1850    30 

1853-56. 
Corwin,  Edward  T.   .    .  C.  C.  N.Y.  1853  29 


Demarest,  James,  Jr. 
Doolittle,  Philip  M. 
Harris,  J.  Ferguson. 
Munn,  Anson  F.  .  .  . 
Oerter,  John  Henry. 
Talmage,T.  De  Witt. 
Vande  Wall,  Giles. 


Wagner,  John  Martin. 
Wyckoff,  Jacob  Snediker. 

1854-57. 
Decker,  Henry  E.    .    . 
Holmes,  John  McC.     . 
Le  Fevre,  James.    .    . 
Markle,  Josiah.  .    .    . 

Suydam,  J.  Howard   . 
Thompson,  Henry  P.  . 

Prof.  Ludlow  died  Sept.  8,  1857. 
Ch.  Gov.,  Oct.,  1857-65. 

1855-58 

Enyard,  William  T.  .     . 

LoTT,  John  S.     .  . 

Lowe,  John  C.    .  .      . 

Mayou,  Joseph    .  . 

McKelvey,  Alex.      .    . 


U.  C.  1852      29 

29 

R.  C.  1853      29 

1852      21 

29 

U.  N.Y.  1853    29 

29 


R.  C 

' ' 

29 

** 

27 

w.c. 

1853 

28 

" 

1854 

28 

R.  C. 

1854 

28 

" 

1853 

28 

" 

1854 

28 
28 

1865 


Age.  Remarks. 

w.  c.  1870- 

For.  Miss.  1855 
-76 

For.  Miss.  1855; 
37  Prin.  Holland 
Acad.,1855-59  ; 
Prin.  Kingston 
Acad.,  1859-62 

Cong.  1872-80; 
w.  c.  1883- 

Res.  Graduate, 

1856-7 

Presbt.  1872-74 


1877   49 


1883 


Rev.  Dr.  S.  M.  Woodbridge,  Prof. 


W.c.  1878- 

German  lang. 
Presb.  1869- 
South  Africa, 
1861-  Ministers 
in   Dutch     and 
English 

w.  c.  1869-83 

Teaching,  1876- 
Presb.  1877- 

Presb.   1857-8 
w.  c. 1868- 


w.  c. 1873- 

Past.  The.,  Eccl.  Hist,  and 


R.  C.  1855 


22 
27 
27 
27 

27 


44 


w.  c.  1870- 

For.  Miss.  1858- 
70,  Presb.  1877- 
Presb.  1874-82 
again,  1884- 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 


499 


Term 

NA.MES. 

c 

allege. 

of 
Ministry. 

Death. 

Ai^c.             Remarks. 

Neef,  Jacob  F. 

S.  G. 

27 

OSTROM.  A  I. VAN.       .      . 

R.C. 

1S55 

27 

For.  Miss.  1858- 
64;  Presb.  1869- 
80 ;  Cong.  1880- 

Rai'alje.  Daniel. 

27 

For.Miss.  1858- 

RiEDEL,  F.  W.  A.      .     . 

S.  G. 

27 

Rom.Cath. 1861-7; 
Ger.  Ref.  1867- 

Searle,  Jere.miah,  Jr. 

R.C. 

1855 

27 

Presb.   1873- 

Strong,  Robert  Grier 

U.N.Y. 

" 

27 

Teacher.    1873- 

Thompson,  John  B.    . 

R.C. 

1851 

27 

Res.  Graduate, 

1858-59 

Todd,  Augustus  F.    . 

27 

1856-59. 

Chamberlain,  Jacob, 

W.  R.  C. 

1856 

26 

For.  Miss.  1859- 

DuBois.   Hasbrouck. 

26 

FuRBECK,  Philip.    .    . 

U.  C. 

1854 

26 

Hansen,  Maurice  G. 

R.C. 

1856 

26 

w.  c.  i88i- 

HuYSSOON,  James. 

26 

Dutch  and  Eng- 
lish 

Jansen.  Josiah.     .     .     . 

R.C. 

1S56 

5 

1864 

29 

Knowlton,  Albert  VV.     . 

26 

Presb.  1864- 

Leslie,  John  R.     .     .     . 

N.  B.S.  1856-7 

Lott,  Henry  Ray,  ^^D. 

1878 

U.S.  1855-56; 
Never  ordained 

New,  William  E.      .     . 

N.  B.  S.  1856-7 

NoTT,  Charles  De  K. 

u.  c. 

1854 

26 

Presb.  1864- 

Riddle,  M.a.tthe\v  B. 

J.  c. 

1852 

26 

Al.  S.  1856-8; 
Prof,    in     Hart. 
Sem.  1871- 
Cong.  1878- 

Shiebe,  Henry.     .     .     . 

1858 

Lost  in    burning 
of  the  "Austria" 

Shaw,  William  A.     . 

Mad.  U. 

26 

Vanderveer,   Cyrus   G. 

9 

1 868 

33     Army    Chaplain 
1861-2;  Sec.  Bd. 
Dom.  Miss. 
1876-8 

Weiss.  Edward   M. 

Presb.  1859-66 

1857-60. 

Baay,  Jacob 

.     B.C. 

1S57 

25 

Presbyt.  1866- 

Ballagh,  James  H.    . 

,     R.C. 

" 

25 

For.  Miss.  1860- 

Berry.  Philip    .    .     . 

■' 

" 

25 

For.  Miss.  1863- 
65;  Baptist  1868- 

Collier,  Isaac.  .    . 

" 

" 

25 

Cong.,  884  - 

500 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


NAMES. 

GuLiCK,  Albert  V.  . 
HuTTON,  Mancius  H. 
Jones,  Henry  W.  F.    . 

Kip,  Leonard.  W.  .  . 
Loeber,  Frederick.  .  . 
Miller,  Edward.  .  . 
Peeke,  George  H.  . 
Proudfit,  Robert  R. 
Rogers,  L.  Cortlandt.    . 

Schoenfelt,  Christian.  . 
Scudder,  John.  .  . 
Talraage,  Thomas  A.  . 
Warner,  Isaac  W.  .  . 
Watkins,  John  E.      .     . 

Wortman,  Denis.  .    . 


Term 

College. 

of 

Ministry. 

R.  C.  1857 

25 

U.N.Y.  " 

25 

Salt    Hill 

Acad.,  Eng. 

25 

25 

R.  C.  1857 

25 

"        '• 

25 

"      1854 

25 

Death.  Age. 


Remarks. 


R.  C.  1S57      25 


R.  C. 1857        I 


1861 
1861 


A.  C. 


25 


Prof.  Van  Vranken  died  Jan.  i,  1861. 

Rev.  Dr.  Joseph  F.  Berg,  Prof.  Did.  and  Pol.  Th.  1861-1871. 

1858-61 

Blauvelt,  Augustus. 


R.  C.  1858 
"      1857 


BoNNEY,  Peres  B. 
BuTTz,  Henry  Anson, 


Drury,  John  Benj. 
Durand,  Cyrus  B. 
Duryee,  William  R. 
Frazee,  J.  Hatfield. 


Kip,  Isaac  L.      .    .    . 
Krum,  Josephus  D.    . 
Miller,  William  H. 
Pieters,  Roelof     .     .     . 
Proudfit,  Alexander 


Stanbrough,  RuFUS  M. 
Strong,  Mason  R.     .      .    U.N.Y.  1855 
SwiCK,  Minor    .    .    .    R.  C.    1858 
Thompson,  Abram.     .         "       1857 
Vandermeulen,  [ac.C        "      1858 


"     1858 

24 

"         " 

24 

"     1856 

24 

24 

R.  C.  1855 

24 

"       1858 

24 

24 

R.  C.  1858 

19 

" 

24 

1880 


Presbyt.  1882- 
U.S.  1857-59 

Presb.  1884- 
For.  Miss.1861- 


Presbyt.  1875- 

P.  S.  1859-60 

Seventh  day 

Baptist 

N.  B.  S.  1557-8 

For.  Miss.  1860- 


Lost   on  voyage 
to  China 
w.  c.  9  years 


For.    Mis.   1862- 
64.    w.  c.  1871- 
Presbyt.    1861- 
Meth.;  President 
of    Drew   Theo. 
Seminary 

Episc.   1883- 

Presbyt.  1861-66; 
1 869-80,  Cong. 
1880- 

Presbyt.  1879- 
Presbyt.  1865- 
w. c. 1863- 

1858-9,  P.S.  1859 
-61 


Presbyt.  1881- 


24 

24 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 


:oi 


NAMES. 

Vander  Veen.  Christ. 
Van  Vkanken,  F.  V.  . 
Vehslage,  Henry 
Watson,  Thomas  G.     . 
Wilson,  Peter  Quick 

1859-62. 
Beck,  Theoijoric  R.   . 

Brandt.  Henrv  W. 

Brock.  John  R.      .     .  . 
Burr.  Marcus    ... 

Collier,  Isaac  Henry.  . 

Cornell,  William.      .  . 


DOOLITTLE.  T.  SaNFORD. 

Fehrman.  Jacob    .     .     . 

Garretson,  Gilbert  S. 
GuLicK.  Uriah  D.  .    . 
Hawes.  Henry  Herbert 
Mathews,  John  R.     . 
Mattice.  Abram     ,    . 
Peeke.  Alonzo  p.  .    . 
Rhinehart,  J.  Kelly  . 
Rogers,   Samuel  J.    . 
Schermerhorn,  H.  R. 


Scudder,  Silas  D..  M.D. 


Sebring.  Arad  fOY.     . 
Vandermeulen.  John. 
Whitbeck,  Richard  M. 
Wilson,  Frederick  F. 
Wurts,  William  A.    . 

1860-63. 
Ballagh,  William  H. 
Beardslee,  John  W.  . 


Term 
College.  of 

Minisirv. 

R.  C.  1858   24 
V.  C.  iSj'"^ 


Hob.  C  1S57 
R.  C.  1858 


R.  C.  1859 


N.Y.U.  1859 
R.  C.  1858 
"   1859 


24 
24 
24 
24 


1S49   23 

23 

K.  C.  1859   10 

23 

R.  C.  1S59   19 

14 


LC.  .859 

23 

"         " 

23 

23 

23 

L.  F.  C. 

23 

{.  C.  i860 

22 

Death.    Age.  Remarks. 

Presbyt.  1874-75 


Prcsb.  1871- 
Presb.    1866-75 

Prof,  at  Hope 

College 

Miss,  in  S. 

Africa 

w.  c.  1868-72 

Presbyt.  i  63- 


1872 

1881    47 
1876   42 


23 

12       1S74   36 

23 
23 


23 
23 
23 
23 
23 


1856       15       1877 


Teacher,  1863; 
I S68-76;  Presbyt. 
1 864-68 

Prof,     in      Rut. 
Coll.,  1864- 
Union  Evan.  Ch. 
1870-72 
w.  c. 1883- 

N.B.  S.  1859-61 
Episcopalian 
Teacher.  1867- 


Cong.  1880- 
Teacher  and 
Prof.  1865-S1  ; 
Indian  Terri- 
tory, 18S1- 
For.  Miss. —  Phy- 
sician ;   licensed 
in  India  1862- 


w.  c.  1S68- 
Presb.  1880- 
Presb.  1868-71 

For.  Miss.  1863- 


502 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


NAMES. 

BoGARDUS,  Francis  M. 
BoGARDUS, William  E. 
De  Witt,  Richard.  . 
Geyer,  Julius  W.  .  . 
Hagaman,  Andrew  J. 
Karsten,  John  H.  .    . 

Lyell,  James 
Phraner,  William  H. 
Skillman,  William  J. 
Vermilye,  Dupuytren 

Voorhees,  Henry  M.  . 
VooRHEES,  William  B. 
Wilson,  Charles  W.  .  . 
Winter,  Egbert.  .  . 
Zabriskie, Jeremiah  L. 

Prof.  Cannpbell  resigned,  1063. 
1861-64. 

Bartholf,  Benj.  a.  . 
Bodine,  George  DeWitt 
Borst,  J.  William.  .  . 
Broeck,  Dirk.  . 
Cole,  Solomon  T  .  . 
Dusinberre,  Thos.  S. 
Garretson,  John.  .  . 
Hartranft,  ChesterD. 


Quick,  Abram  M.  .  . 
Sherwood,  Nathan  M.  . 
Van  Benschoten,  W.  B. 
Van  Doren,  John  H.  . 
Van  Vliet,  Thornton.  . 
Van  Wagenen,Wm.  A. 


Wyckoff,  James.     .     .     , 
Zabriskie,  William  Pell 

1862-65. 
Anderson  William  H. 

Brett,  Cornelius   .    . 


College. 

Term 
of 

Death.   Ag' 

e.              Remark'. 

Ministry. 

R.  C.  i860      22 

" 

22 

" 

22 

22 

R.  C.  i860 

22 

22 

1863 

Ed.  De  Hope 

1882- 

N.Y.U.  1S60 

22 

w.  c.  1874-82 

R.  C.      " 

22 

Presb. 1883 

" 

22 

Presb.   1869  ;  w. 
c.  1870- 

"       1859 

22 

Presb.  1883  - 

i860 

22 

"       1861 

14 

1877     51 

i860 

22 

C.  C.  Law 

22 

w.  c.  1882- 

Dep.,  1854 

Rev.  Dr.  John  De  ' 

Witt,  Prof.  Bib.  Lit.. 

1S63-84. 

R.  C.  1861       21  Presbyt.1876-81 

16       1880  44 
1864 


R.  C.  1861 
U.  Pa.  " 


21 

21 

4 
21 


R.  C.  i860      21 


1869   40     Presbyt.  1865-69 
Prof,     in    Hart. 
ford  Sem.  1878- 
Cong  1879- 


N.  B.  S.  1861-2 


R.  C.  1861   16   1880  45 
1859   21 
"   1861 
C.  C.   " 


R.  C.      " 

R.  C.  1862 

N.Y.U.  " 


For.Miss. 1865-73 
N.  B.  S.  1861-2 
1869   29     N.  B.  S.  1861-2 
P.  S.   1862-4; 
Episcopalian 
Presbty.  1883— 
N.  B.  S.  1861-3 

License    with- 
drawn, 1 866 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 


rm 


NAMES. 


College. 

R.  C.  1862 


Presbyt. 


Presbyl.  1873- 


Brush.  Alfred  H   .    . 

De  Free.  Peter  .    . 

DoREMUs,  Joseph  H. 

Fritts,  Ch.arles  W. 

Gesner,  Osc.\r    .    . 

Horton,  Francis  A. 

Justin,  John   ... 

Lepeltak,  Peter.   .    . 

Merritt,  William  B.  .     . 

Schenk,  John  Van  Nest. 

ScHLiEDER.  Frederic  E. 

Sebring,  Elbert  N.    .      R.  C.  1862 

Statesir.  Benjamin  T. 

Strong.  Selah  Woodhull  U.  N.  Y.  1862 

Van  Slyke,  Evert.     .      R.  C.    " 

Vroom.  William  H.    . 

Wells.  Theodore  W. 

Wyckoff,  De  Witt  B. 

Rev.  Dr.  David  D.  Demarest,  Prof.  Past.  Theol.  and  Sac.  Rhetoric,  1865-.  Annulling  of  the  Cov- 
enant between  Rutgers  College  and  Gen.  Synod,  1865.  Prof.  Woodbridge,  Prcf.  of  Ecc.  Hist, 
and  Ch.  Gov.  1865-. 

1863-66. 

Arcularius,  And.  M. 
Brush,  William  W.    .     . 

KlEKINTVELD,  MaNNES 

Kriekaard,  Adrian  . 
Mills,  George  A.  .  . 
Oggel,  Edward  C. 


Term 

of 
Ministry. 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

'4 

6 

20 

20 

20 

•9 
20 
20 
20 
20 


Death.   Age. 


Remarks. 


'S79  43 
1 87 1    29 


1884  40 


Teaching,  1881 


Presbyt.   1869-74 


R.  C. 


1863 

19 

1862 

I  "^ 

1863 

19 

" 

19 

*' 

•9 

" 

19 

1878 


w.  c.  1880- 


PooL,  Charles  H. 
Riggs.  Charles  H. 
Seibert.  George  A.   . 
Smith.  William.     .    . 

Smock.  John  H.       .    . 
Swain.  George  W. 
Uiterwyck.  Henry.    . 
Vile.  Joseph  Mabon. 

1864-67. 
Bahler.  Lewis  Henri. 

Bertholf.  Ja.mes  H.   . 
Bogert  Nicholas  J.  M. 


•9 


"    1862 
•'    1863 
"    1863 

19 
•9 

"    1862 

•9 
19 

.. 

•9 

R.  C.  1861 

18 

"      1864 

18 
18 

Presbyt. 

1883- 

Ed.    De 

Hope, 

1869  ; 

Presbyt. 

1878- 

N.  B.  S. 

1863-4 

N.  B.  S. 

1863-4; 

Cong.  18 

.  .-1880 

Presbyt. 

1873- 

Cong.  18S0- 

1866 


Teaching  1S69-84 
Presb.  1884- 

w.    c.    1870-76. 
Presbyt.  1876-84 


504 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


NAMES. 

Collins,  James  M. 
Doremus,  Andrew  J, 
Halloway,  Wm.  W 
Jones,  Thomas  W.  . 
Kip,  Francis  M.  Jr. 
RuTTE,  John  M. 
Steinfuhrer,  Chs.  D.  F. 
SuTPHEN,  David  S. 
Van  Arsdale,  N.  H. 
Van  Buren,  Peter  H. 

Van  Doren,  David  K. 
Van  Horne,  David 
Ward,  Henry.    .    . 
Wyckoff,  Abram  N. 

1865-68. 
Allen,  John  Knox.    . 
Amerman,  James  L.    . 
Brown,  Josiah  J.       .     . 

Campbell,  Alan  D.  . 
Davis,  John  A.  James. 
De  Hart,  William  H. 
Grant,  Henry  Jesse, 

Myers,  Henry  V.  S.  . 
Shaw,  John  Fletcher 
Stout,  Henry.  .  .  . 
Warnshuis,  John  W. 
Westveer,  Adrian.  . 
Zabriskie,  Albert  A. 

1866-69. 
ACKERMAN,  Edward  G. 
Berg,  Herman  C.    .    . 

BOOKSTAVER,  AdAM  A. 

Brokaw,  Isaac  P.  .  . 
HuLST,  George  D. 

Southard,  James  L.  . 

Van  Buskirk,  Peter  V. 

Van  Slyke,  John  G.  . 

1867-70. 

Bergen,  Tunis  G.    .  . 

Campbell,  James  B.  , 


College. 

Term 

of 

Ministry. 

Death.    Age.               Remarks. 

N.  B.  S.  1864-5 

.      R.  C.  1864 

N.  B.  S.  1864-5 

U.  N.  Y.    " 

18 

Presbyt.  1876  - 

.      R.  C.  1864 

18 

U.  N.Y.    " 

18 

Un.  Utrecht 

18 

Netherlands,  1868- 

F.     U.C.  1864 

18 

.       R.C.     " 

18 

w.  c.  1879- 

"      1862 

18 

Cong.  1 880-1 

.     U.  N.Y.  1864 

1868         Died   before   his 

ordination 

18 

.      U.  C.      " 

18 
18 

Ger.  Reformed  1868- 

.       R.  C.  1862 

18 

Presb.  1879- 

R.  C.  1865 

17 

U.  N.Y.  1862 

17 

For.  Miss.  1876- 

R.  C.  i860 

N.  B.  S.    1865-6; 

R.  C.  1862 

17 

Presbyterian 

"      1865 

17 
17 

For.  Miss.  1869-70 
License     revoked 

W.  C  1865 

17 

at  his  own  request, 
1873 

R.  C.     " 

17 

Presbyt.  1878- 

<< 

17 

For.  Miss.  1869- 

H.  C.    " 

17 

R.  C.    " 

17 

Presbyt.  1876-9 

*                  *' 

17 

Cong.  1880-2 

R.  C.  1866 

16 
16 

" 

16 

w.  c.  1871 - 

" 

16 

" 

16 

" 

16 

" 

16 

"        " 

16 

R.  C.  1867 

N.  B.  S. 1867-9 

"     1870 

15 

Presbyt.  1883- 

GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 


505 


NAMES. 

Church,  John  B.     .    . 

College. 

R.  C.  1867 

Term 
of          Death.    Ai;c.              Rem.irks. 
Ministrv. 

15 

Kipp,  Peter  E.    .    .    . 

U.N.Y, 

'• 

15 

w.  c.  1874-7 

Mead,  Elias 

K.  C. 

1 868 

'■S 

Myers.  Alfred  Ed.    . 

W.  C. 

1S67 

•5 

N.  B.  S.  1867-8  ; 
P.S.  1868-9:  U.S. 
1868-70 

SucKow.  C.  F.  C.     .    . 

15 

1 868-7 1. 

Bahler,  Peter  G.  M. 

R.  C. 

1868 

14 

Carroll,  Vernon  B.  . 

R.  C. 

1868 

14 

Crosby,  Arthur.    .    . 

14 

N.B.S.  1868;  U.S. 
1868-70 

Davis,  Willlam  E. 

•• 

"• 

14 

Hamlin,  Teunis  G.     . 

u.  c. 

1867 

14 

N.  B.  S.  1868-9 
U.S.  1869-71 

Oliver.  ^L\TTHE\v  N. 

•' 

1857 

14 

Vanderveer,  Pet.    L. 

R.  C. 

1868 

N.  B.  S.  1868-9 

Van  Doren,  Wm.  H.    . 

" 

1867 

14 

Voorhees,  Louis  B.    . 

C.N.J. 

1868 

14 

N.  B.  S.  1868-9; 
And.  S.  1869-71  ; 

Prof.  Jos.  F.  Berg,  died  187 1. 

Cong.  1871- 

1869-72. 

Cornet,  Edward.   .    . 

13 

Presbyt.  1869- 

DoiG,  Robert.     .    ,    . 

R.  C. 

1869 

•3 

Griffis,  William  E.    . 

" 

" 

8 

N.  B.  S.  1869-70 

Hart,  John.  ,  .  , 
Hill,  William  J.  . 
Lodevvick,  Edward 
SCHENCK,  Ferd.  S. 


13 
13 
13 
13 


Teacher  in  Japan, 
1870-4;  U.S. 1875- 
1877 


R.  C.  1870 
"  1869 
C.N.J.  1865 
ALL.  S.  1867 

Rev.  Dr.  A.  B.  Van  Zandf,  Prcl.  of  Did.  and  Polemic  Theology,  1872-1881. 
1870-73. 

R.  C.  1870 


Anderson,  Asher. 
Garretson,  Geo.  R 


Jones,  Charles  J.  K.  . 

Knickerbocker,  D.  M. 
Labaw,  George  W. 


R.  C.  1870 
1869 


12 
10 


12 


12 


N.  B.  S.  1870-71 ; 
U.S.  i87i-3;Presb. 
1883- 

N.  B.  S.  1870-71  ; 
U.S.  1871-73 
N.  B.  S.  1870-71 


506 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


Term 

NAMES. 

College. 

of 

Ministry 

Lasher,  Calvin  Ed.    . 

R.  C. 

1870 

12 

McLaury,  John  F. 

" 

12 

Pearse,  Nicholas. 

" 

12 

Pearse,  Richard  A.  . 

" 

12 

Schenck.  Jacob  W.    .     . 

" 

6 

Tayler,  Graham.   .    . 

" 

12 

VanDeventer,  J.  C.  . 

U.  N.  Y 

12 

1871-74. 

Benson,  Aaron  W.     . 

R.  C. 

1S71 

II 

Garretson,  James  C.  . 

" 

" 

II 

Hageman,  Andrew.    . 

" 

" 

II 

Todd,  William  N. 

" 

" 

11 

Veenschoten,  Wm. 

H.  C. 

" 

II 

Wyckoff,  John  H. 

R.  C. 

" 

II 

1872-75. 

Craig,  Horace  P.  .    . 

10 

Harper.  Joseph  Alex. 

R.  C. 

1873 

10 

Hoffman,  William  H. 

" 

1872 

10 

Leggett,  William  J.  . 

" 

" 

10 

Matthews,  Alg.  S. 

10 

Miller,  Ben.  C.  Jr. 

R.  C. 

872 

10 

RiES,  George  Adam.    . 

" 

" 

10 

Van  Neste,  John  A.    . 

" 

" 

10 

Van  Vranken,  H.  H.  . 

M.  U. 

" 

10 

1873-76. 

Allen,   Frederick  E. 

R.  C. 

1873 

9 

Cleveland,  Geo.  H,    . 

" 

" 

9 

Conklin,  John  W. 

" 

1871 

9 

Demarest,  James  S.  N. 

" 

1872 

9 

Devries,  Henry.     .    . 

9 

Harris.  Howard.   .     . 

R.  C. 

1873 

9 

Hawxhurst,  Danl.  T. 

" 

Killough,  Walter  W. 

Dav.  C. 

" 

9 

Death.    Age.  Remarks. 


Presbyt. 


KiRKPATRICK.    M.    R.     . 

Martine,  Abram  L      .      R.  C. 
Pitcher,  Charles  W. 

Schenck,  Isaac  S.  , 
Van  Aken,  Alex.  G.  . 
Van  Allen  Ira.  .  . 
Vanderwart,  H.    .     .      H.  C. 


9 
9 

9 
9 
9 
9 


1879   30 


Cong^.  1880 


Presbyterian 


For.  Miss.  1874- 


N.  B.  S.  1873-5 
Presbyt.  1883- 

Canada  Presb.1879- 


H.  S.  1872-4 


Presbyt.  1883- 
For.  Miss.  1880- 
w.  c.  1883- 

For.  Miss.  1882- 
N.  B.  S.  1873-4 
N.    B.   S.    1874  6; 
Presb.  Ch.  South 
N.   B.    S.  1875-6; 
Presb.  Ch.  South 

N.  B.   S.    1873-5; 
Cong.  1876-82 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 


507 


NAMES. 

Van  Fleet,  Jacob  O.  . 

College. 

R.  C.  1873 

Term 

of 

Ministry, 

9 

Wallace.  W.  G.  F.    . 

Dav.  C.     " 

9 

Wright.  Charles  S.  . 

R.  C.       " 

9 

1874-77. 

Brokaw.  Ralph  W.    . 

" 

8 

Davis,  Titus  Elwood. 

" 

8 

GuTWEiLER.  Ernest.    . 

C.  C.  N.  Y.  " 

8 

HiGGiNS.  Charles  W. 

Krickaard.  Cornel.  . 

H.C.       " 

8 

Krueger.  Chas.   H.  T.    . 

R.  C.       " 

3 

Lansing,  John  G.    .    . 

U.  C.  1875 

8 

De.ith.    Age.  Remarkf. 

Presb.  Ch.  South 
N.  B.  S.  1875-6 


Presbyt.  1877- 
Not  Ordained 


1880   30 


Laurence,  Wm.  H, 


R.  C.  1871 


Lydecker,  George  D.         "      1874      8 
Marvin,Fred.  R.,  M.D.     C.  C. 

Med.Dep.  1870      8 

Rederus,  Sipko. 

Streng,  Samuel.*    . 
Talmage,  David  M. 
Van  Halteren,  Jac. 
Van  Pelt,  Daniel. 

1 87 5-78. 
Barr,  Robert  H.    . 
DvKSTRA,  Lawrence. 
Graham,  James  Ed.    . 
Griffin,  Walter  T.   . 
Hendrickson,  H.  a. 
HoEKjE,  John.     .    .    . 
Janeway,  Harry  L.    . 
Kemlo.  James.      .     .     . 
Lockwood,  Louis  J.    . 

Oppie,  John 

Pockman,  p.  T.  .  .  . 
Raymond,  A.  V.  V. 
Salisbury,  John  H.  . 
Searle,  John  P.  .  . 
Slocum,  George  M.  D. 
Walser,  Oliver  H.  . 
Wyckoff,  Ben.  V.  D.  . 


N.  B.  S.  1876-7; 
Prof.  Theol.  1884- 
Methodist  Minis- 
ter ;  attended  oc- 
casionally, 1876-7 


N.  B.  S.   1876-7; 
Cong.  1S78- 


Gym.  Kamp. 

Neth. 

8 

Presbyt.  1S84- 

H.C.  1871 

8 

R.  C.  1874 

8 

For.  Miss.  1877-80 

H.  C.  1873 

N.  B.  S.  1874-6 

C.C.N.Y.  1874 

8 

R.  C.  1875 

7 

H.C.     " 

7 

H.  S.   1875-7 

R.  C.  1871 

7 

"     1875 

7 
7 

H.C.  1873 

7 

H.  S. 1875-7 

R.  C.  1874 

7 

Presbyt.  1878- 

'•     1875 

6 

1884 

" 

7 

Presbyt.  1880- 

"     1874 

2 

1S80  26 

"     1875 

7 

U.  C.    " 

7 

R.  C.    " 

7 
7 

U.C.  1872 

7 

Cong.  1884- 

R.  C.  1875 

7 
7 

508 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


NAMES.  College. 

1876-79. 

Bergen,  John  H.    .    . 

Booth,  Eugene  S.   .    .      R.  C.  1876 

Cox,  Henry  Miller.  . 

DiTMARS,  C.  p.       .      .      . 

DosKER,  Henry  Elias.      H.  C.    " 


Duryee,  Joseph  R.  .    .      R.  C.  1874 

House,  Isaac  E.      .    . 

Lawsing,  Sidney  O.    .      R.  C.  1874 

Lyall,  John  Ed.      .     .  "     1876 

Milliken,  Peter  H.    . 

Nasholds,  W.  H.     .    . 

ScHOMP,  William  W.  . 

Staats,  Bergen,  B.     .      R.  C.  1876 

Sutphen,  James  G.      .  "      1875 

Taylor,  William  R.  .  "      1876 

Walden,  Islay  .... 

1877-80. 

BiRDSALL,  Edward.     . 

Force,  Frank  A.     .    .      H.  C.  1876 

Hekhins,  Lambertus  .  "      1877 

Herr  Louis  T 

KoLYN,  Matthew.  .     .      R.  C.  1877 
Mason,  Alfred  D.       .      A.  C. 
Polhemus,  C.  H.      .    .      R.  C. 
Vanderveer,  John  Q.     , 


Term 
of  Death. 

Ministry. 


Van  Doorn,  Marinus. 
VanOostenbrugge,  G.E.C.,  H.C.1876 

1878-81. 

BoGARDUs,  Henry  J.  .  R.  C.  1878 

Groeneveld,  John  C.  H.  C.    " 

Harmeling,  S.  J.      .    .  H.  C.    " 

Le  Fevre,  George    .    .  R.  C.    " 
Owens,  James  Henry 
Tears,  Egbert.    .     .     . 

Vanderveer,  L.   .    .    .  U.  C.    " 

Vaughan,  Jonah.    .    .  R.  C.    " 
Williamson,  Wm.  H.  .  "     1873 


Age.  Remarks. 

Presb.Southi8{ 
For.  Miss.  1879- 


H.  S.  1876-7.  N.  B 
S.  1877-8.  N.  W.  S. 
1878-9 


1876-8 ;  Teacher 
Presb.Southi879 

N.  B  S.  1878-80 

For.  Miss.  i88i- 
N.  B.  S.  1877 

U.S.  1877-8 

Died  and  buried 
at  sea 

H.S.  1876-7.  Pres. 
1880-83 

Physician 

N.  B.  S.  1878-80 


Prof.  Van  Zandl  died  July,  1881.  Rev.  Dr.  W.  V.  V.  Mabon,  Prof.,  Did.  and  Pol.  Th.  Oct..  1881- 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 


509 


NAMES. 
1879-82. 

College. 

Term 

of 

Ministry. 

Death.   Age.             Remarks. 

Andru.s,  John  C.     . 

.  Cor.  U.  1873 

3 

Presbyt.  1882- 

Arnolt.  William  M. 

.      S.  G. 

N.  B.  S.  1881-2, 
Johns     Hopkins 
Univ.  1882- 

DeBey,  Dirk  John 

.      H.C.  1879 

3 

Gebhard,  John  G. 

"       1878 

3 

Hageman,  Herman  Jr 

.      R.  C.  1879 

3 

Hageman,  Peter  K. 

. 

3 

KiMURA,  KUMAGE     . 

H.C.      " 

3 

A  Japanese 

NiEMEYER,  George 

. 

3 

Oghimi,  Motoitero 

.          •• 

3 

N.   B.  S.   1880-82. 
A  Japanese 

Rockefeller,  DeW.G 

R.  C.      " 

3 

Presbyt.  1884- 

Scarlett,  John  .    . 

" 

3 

Presbyt.  1882- 

ScHENCK,  Cornelius 

" 

3 

Scudder,  E.  C.  Jr.    . 

" 

3 

For.  Miss.  1882- 

Scuddrr,  William  H. 

"     1878 

3 

Presbyt.  1884- 

Shafer,  Theodore 

"     1879 

3 

Stillwell,  John  L.    . 

" 

3 

Van  Dyck,  Alex.  S.    . 

C.C.N.Y." 

3 

For.  Miss.  1882- 

Venema,  Ame      .    .    . 

H.  C. 1879 

3 

Wormser,  William    . 

C.  U.  I.     " 

3 

1880-S3. 

Baas,  William  G.  .    . 

H.  C.  1880 

2 

Cameron,  Herbert  H. 

R.  C.      " 

N.  B.  S.  i88c^82 

Demarest,  Nathan  H. 

" 

2 

GowEN.  Isaac  W.    .    . 

"       1879 

'7 

Huizinga.  Abel  H.     . 

H.  C.  1880 

Johns  Hopkins 

Perlee,  Clarence  M. 

R.  C.      " 

2 

Univ.  1883- 

Scarlett,  George  W, 

" 

2 

See,  Edwin  F.     .    .    . 

'■ 

2 

Staehli,  John     .    .    , 

2 

N.  B.  S.  1882-3 

Stegeman,  Abraham  . 

H.  C.      " 

2 

Vaughan,  William     . 

R.  C.       • 

2 

1881-84. 

Conklin.  Marion  T.  . 

R.C.  18S1 

Crane,  Josiah  E.     .    . 

" 

Davis,  Joseph  P.      .    . 

U.  C.    " 

Demarest,  Alfred  H. 

R.  C.  1S79 

Dutton,  Charles  S.  . 

H.  C.  1881 

Goebel.  Gustavus 

A.  D.  B.     " 

510 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


NAMES. 
HUNDHAWSEN,  ERNEST. 

KoMMERS,  TiNis  John. 

LoucKS,  Joel 

Preyer,  D.  Charles.  . 
RuHL,  Frederick  W.  . 
SCHMITZ,  William  Jr.  . 
Smits,  Bastian.  .  .  . 
Stephens,  George  H.  . 
Taylor,  Livingston  L. 
Underwood,  H.  G.  .     . 


College. 

H.  C.     " 
R.  C.     " 
A.  G.  1879 
R.  C.I 870-72 
"     1881 
H.  C.     " 
R.  C.    " 

U.N.Y     " 

R.  C.  1881 


Term 
of         Death.    Age. 
Ministry. 


Verbrycke,  J.  R.      .    , 
Wyckoff,  Garret  Jr. 

Rev.  John  G.  Lansing,  Prof,  of  Hebrew  and  O.  T.  Exegesis,  lE 
lenistic  Greek  and  New  Testament  Exegesis,  1884-. 


R  einarks. 

N.  B.  S.  1882-3 
N.  B.  S.  1883-4 

Presbyt.  1885- 

Presbyt.1884- 
For.  Miss,  to  Corea 


Dr.  John  De  Witt,  Prof.  Hel- 


STUDENTS  NOW  IN  THE  SEMINARY. 


1882-85. 

Beekman,  Theo.  a.  . 
Chamberlain,  W,  I. 
Cranmer,  William  S 
Fagg,  John  G.     .    . 
Gillespie,  John  H. 
MoFFETT,  Edwin  O. 
Morrison,  John.     . 
MULFORD,  H.  Du  Bois 
Pitcher,  Philip  W. 
Skellenger,  D.  W. 

1883-86. 

Ayler,  Junius  C.    .    . 
Blekkink,  E.  John. 
Brandow,  J.  Henry    . 
Collier,  George  Z.    . 

Dyk,  Jacob 

Laubenheimer,  John. 
Oltmans,  Albert  .  . 
Palmer,  Robert  V.  . 
Scholten,Dirk.      .    . 

Stapelkamp,  Evert  W 
Williams,  David  F.    . 


R.  C.  1882 


H.  C. 
R.  C. 


l8«l 
1882 


H.  C. 

1883 

R.  C. 

H.  C. 

R.  C. 

H.  C. 

R.  C. 

H.  C. 

" 

N.  B.  S.  I  882-4 


Meth.  Minister 


N.   B.  S.   1883-4 
H.  S.  1884— 


GENERAL  CATALOGUE. 


511 


NAMES. 
1884-87. 

Arnolt,  Edward  M., 
Beekman.  Peter  S.  . 
Beyer,  Edward  J. 
Crispell,  Peter  .  . 
Davis,  George  .  .  . 
DiCKHAUT,  B.  E.  .  . 
Thompson,  John  A.  . 
Van  Brackle,  Henry 


College. 


Term 

of 

Ministry. 


Death.    Age. 


Remarks. 


G.  R.M.H.  18S4 
R.  C. 
C.  U.  I. 
R.  C. 


SUMMARY. 

Years.  Number.  Dead.  Living. 

1 784-1 809 89  89  O 

181O-1834 149         138  II 

1835-1859 263  83  180 

i860- 1885 364  29         335 

Totals  865  339  526 

COLLEGES. 

Rutgers.  Union.  Columbia.      Princeton.     Sca.tering 

1784-1809 8  18  17  2  o 

1810-1834 29  39  II  8  14 

1835-1859 164  18  6  I  29 

1860-1885 243  4  8  2  39 

Totals 444  79  42  13  82 

For  the  first  quarter  of  the  Seminary's  existence,  the  average  term  of 
ministerial  service,  is  found  to  be  37  years ;  for  the  next  quarter  of  a 
century,  39  years.  The  following  exceptionally  long  terms  of  service 
may  be  especially  noted  : 

Terms  over  70        years,    2 

"     from  70-60     "        I J  of  whom  4  are  living. 
"     60-55     "        25  "         ••      4    '• 
"      55-50     "        29  "         "      3    " 


Totals, 


69 


If  a  man  desire  the  office  of  a  bishop,  he  desireth  a  good  work. 
—  I  Tim.  iii  :  i. 

Therefore  every  scribe  which  is  instructed  7i7ito  the  kingdom 
of  heaven,  is  like  unto  a  man  that  is  a  householder ,  which  bring- 
eth  forth  out  of  his  treasure  things  new  and  old. — Matt,  xiii :  52. 


INDEX 


Abeel,     Rev.   David,    our   first    misfionary    to 

China lit'.,  163,  379 

Abeel,  Rev.  Dr.  Gustavuf,  one  ol  the  oldest  liv- 
ing  gradu.Ttes 108 

Abeel,  Rev.  Jolin  N.,  writes  .Sy nodical  acdresf, 

1S07,  on  Theolog.  education. 90 

Academy,  at  Albany 125 

Academy,  at  Flatbush 85,  356 

Academy,  meant  University 53.69,  70 

Academy,  at  Hackensack 421 

Academy,  at  Holland 172,   173,   252 

See  Hope  College. 

Academy,  at  Schenectady....   352 

See  Union  College. 

Agent  employed  to  raise  endowments 

133,  134,    136. 

See  Cornell,  Dr.  J.  A.  H. 

Agnosticism 18,  37,  166 

Albany,  church  of,  its  liberality,  97,  references 

to, 103,  118 

Alumni  of  the  Seminary,  approximate  nun-ber, 
6,  500,  506,  their  preaching,  6,  7,  their  service, 
S,  catalogue  of,  4^2.     Dr.  2abrii:kie  represents, 

at  the  Centennial 255,  263-278 

America,  danger  of  apostasy,  43,  44  ;  indepen- 
dence of 82 

American    Bible    Society,  residuary  legatee  of 

James  Suydam 139,  397 

American  Board 116,  198 

American  Classis,  first  extraordinary  one  (1679), 
54  ;  Coetus  resolves  itself  into,  57,  58,  59,  69, 

70,  300-303,  339,  Minutes  of 48,287 

See  Coetus. 
American  inter-Seminary   Missionary  Alliance 

••••.   "7 

American  Tract  Society,  397,  premium  tract  on 

the  Bible,  by  Dr.  De  Witt 436 

Amsterdam,  see  Classis  of. 

Amsterdam  Correspondence,  ormally  estab- 
lished by  Articles  of  Coetus,   55,  importance 

of  printing  translation  of 48,  287 

Amsterdam,  Free  University  of,  congratulations 

of 188 

Anabaptists  in  Holland 50 

Analysis,  made  man's  chief  end 30 

Anderson,  Asher,  address  at  de>lication  of  Suy- 
dam Hall  138 

Andover  Seminary,  sends  congratulations. .  107 
Anderson,  James,  gives  $1,000  (or  Library. . .  385 
Apologetics,  relative  value  of,  39-42,  not  the  at- 
titude of  a  Christian,  30,  275,  in  new  Curric- 
ulum, 472,  474,  works  on  in  Sage  Library . .  3S8 
Apostasy  of  churches,  29,  how  begun.  ...42,  43 
Archaeology,    valuable     works     on,    in     Sage 

Library 136 

Archives  of  General  Synod 136 

Arcot  Mission 163 

Arius....  36 

Arminian  Controversy 51 

Art,  valuable  works  on,  in  Sage  Library. ...  136 

Articles  of  Union  between  Coetus  and  Confer- 

entie,  preliminary,  75,  78..  final  78,  79,  81,  162 

Articles  of  Union  between  General  Synod  and 

Rutgers  College.     See  Covenant. 
Assembly  of  Province  of  New  York,  its  opposi- 
tion to  a  sectarian  college 63-67 

Assy  riology, 474 

Athanasius 36,  37 

33 


Atonement,  Ntcc^fity  of,  .^ermon     by   Dr.  De 

Will 436 

Auburn  Theological  Seminar),  congratulations 

of '. 219 

Augustine 39i  4° 

Awakening,  the  true 32 

r.al  Ian  tine,  Peter,  gives  $2,  too 403 

Bangor.  'J  heolpgical  Seminary,  sends  ccrgratu- 

lations 200 

Baptism,  Dr.  Van  Vrarken's  work  on  Whose 
Children  are  entitled  to  Baptii-m,  447,  Dr.  De 

Witt's  sermon  on  Infant. . .    43^ 

B,iptist  Seminary,  sends  congratulat-cns  214,  227 
Barclay,  Rev.  Henry,  letter  to  Dr.  Johnson. .322 
Bartlett,  Rev,  Dr.    E.  T.,  letter  cf  congratula- 
tion  202 

Bassett,  Rev.  John,  appointed  teacher  of  He- 
brew by  Particular  Synod,  87,  Professor  of, 
by  Gen  Synod,  89,  resigns,  95,  sketch  of.  .427 

Bittle  of  the  Ages,  what 31 

Beck  FamiK-  give  Minutes  of  Coetus  to  Synod,  48 
Beets,   Rev.    Dr.   Nich.,   letter    of  ccngralula- 

tion J85 

Belcher,  Gov 7' 

Belgic  Confession     97i '93 

Belles-lettres,  Criticism  and  Logic,  Prof  of. .120 
Beneficiaries.. 90,  94,  289,  363,  365,  406,  367,469 

Benge! 29 

Benson,  Robt 86 

Berean  Society 116 

See  Society  of  Inquiry. 
Berg,  Rev.  Dr.  Joseph  F.,  elected  Professor,  129- 

his  death  131,  sketch  of 45i 

Bergen 85,  356,  357 

Bethune,  Rev.  Dr.  Geo.  W.,  gives  charge  to  Dr. 
Campbell,  125,  preaches  sermon  at  the  instal- 
lation of  Dr.  Ludlow,  126,  and  of  Dr.  Berg, 
129,  elected  Professor  of  Pastoral  Theology,, 
but  declines,  128,  one  of  a  Committee  to  pro- 
cure erection  of  a  Theological  Hall,  127,  de- 
livers a  course  of  lectures  on  Pulpit  eloquence, 
128,  his  library  given   to   the  Seminary,  136, 

385,  sketch  of 461 

Bible,  how  to  be  studied,  25,  to  be  preached, 
not  tested,  27,  its  position  in  the  world,  34,  its 
value  increased  by  its  conflicts,  35,  revision  of 
A.  v.,  163,  216,  Divine  origin  of,  a  premium 

tract  by  Dr.  De  Witt 436 

Biblical  Lxegetes 163 

Biblical  Literature,  election  of  Dr.  De  Witt  to 
Chair  of,  103,  414,  election  of  Dr.  McClelland 
to  Chair  of,  114,  of  Dr.  Campbell,  125,  of  Dr. 
De  Witt  (Jr. i,  129,  Professor  of,  to  teach 
Criticism  in  the  College,  122,  Dr?.  Chambers 
and   Corwin   assist    in,    129,    division  of  the 

Chair  (1884),  144,  414  ;  reference 224 

Biblical  Literature  and  Fxclesiastical  History, 
election  of  Dr.  Ludlow  to  Chair  of,  loi,  of  Dr. 
De  Witt  (Sr.),  103,  division  of  the  chair. .  .414 

Biblical  1  heology 33,  472 

Bibliography  of  Dutch  Ministers 480 

Bishop,  David,  gives  land  for  Theological  Hall, 
127,  member  of  Hertzog  Hal!  Committee,  135, 

sketch  of 383 

Bishop,  Rev.  Dr.  George  S.,  elected  Vedder  lec- 
turer for  1886 .142 

Blair,  Rev.  John,  elected  Prof,  of  Divinity  at 
Princeton. 73,  209 


514 


CENTENNIAL  MEMORIAL. 


Bloomfield  Theological  Seminary,  congratula- 
tions of 22  I 

Board,    Mrs.   Mary,  gives  $2,500   for  Library, 

385,  gives  $10,000 405 

Board  of  Direction  [Constituted  in  1819,  as  the 
Executive  Committee  of  the  General  Synod, 
as  an  Incorporated  Body],  address  a  letter  to 
the  Ambassador  from  Holland,  respecting  a 
plan  of  seeking  an  endowment  from  Holland, 
114,  receive  Dr.  Smith's  bond  for  $40,000, 
131,132,  asked  to  co-operate,  with  Hertzog 
Hall,  Com.,  to  increase  the  endowment  by 
$100,000,  133,  employ  Dr.  Jas.  A.  H.  Cornell 
as  Financial  Agent,  133,  not  responsible  for 
failure  of  interest  on  the  Vedder  Fund,  142, 
re-convey  the  College  Property  to  the  Trus- 
tees, 384,  has  charge  of  a  part  of  Educational 
Funds  for  students,  407,  holds  Funds  of  Hope 
College,  177,  list  ot  endowments  held  by,  404, 
407.  See  Endowment. 
Board  of  Education,  history  of,  406-410,  Dr. 
Cornell,  secretary  of,  133,  Jas.  Suydam,  a 
member  of,  134.  See  Van  Bunschooten  Be- 
quest, Knox  Fund,  Educational  Funds,  Board 
of  Direction. 

Board  of  Publication 48,  ic8,  142 

Board  of  Superintendents  of  Theolog.  Instit.  in 
Queens  College,  90,  364,  406,  463,  present 
constitution  of,  95,  464,  recommends  students 
for  Professorial  Certificates,  95,  urges  a  Sec- 
ond Professorship,  97,  engages  temporarily 
Dr.  Cannon,  100,  tribute  to  Dr.  De  Witt  (Sr.), 
no,  recommends  a  Theolog.  commencement, 
124,  memorial  to,  from  students,  that  a  Theo- 
log. Hall  should  be  built,  126,  appoints  a  Com. 
to  procure  plans  and  raise  money,  126,  re- 
quests $25,000  from  Collegiate  Ch.  for  said 
Hall,  126,  granted  and  rescinded,  126,  direct- 
ed by  Synod  to  seek  renewal  of  offer,  or  funds 
from  other  sources,  127,  Hertzog  Hall  Com. 
to  be  Exec.  Com.  of,  133,  President  of,  speaks 
at  dedication  of  Suydam  Hall,  138,  at  dedi- 
cation of  Sage  Library,  139,  appoints  Tfieolog. 
Commencements  (1879',  142,  some  member  of, 
to   address  students  at  said  Commencement, 

142,  its  general  powers 465,  474 

oaid   of  Superintendents    of  Hope  Seminary 

178 

Board  of   Superintendents  of  Rutgers  College, 

120,   121,  abolished 366 

Bogardus,  William 135 

Bogart,  Jas.  (Jr.),  gives  a  scholarship  of  $2,000 

407 

Boijgs,  Rev.  Dr.  W.  E.,  letter  of  congratulation 

at  Centennial   201 

Bonnet,  Prof.  Gisbertus,  letter  of,  82,  349,  one 
of  the  teachers  of  Dr.  Livingston,  106, 185,  187 

Borneo 117,  379 

Brett,  Rev.  Cornelius,  prayer  of . .. 257 

Brodhead,  Hon.  J.  Romeyn 48 

Brotherhood  of  Man,  difficulty  of  grasping  the 

vast  thought  of  Christ  concerning 38 

Brown,   Rev.  John,  called  as  Prof.   Theol.  in 

Queens  College 80 

Buildings 139,  404,  405 

Brummelkamp,  Rev.  A.,  letter  of  congratulation 

at  Centennial 188 

Burgess,  Mrs.  Margt.,  gives  scholarship 407 

Burr,  Rev.  Aaron 71,  341 

Buttz,  Rev.  Dr.  H.  A.,  address  at  Centennial 

224 

Cadmus,  Richard,  gives  a  scholarship  of  $2,000 

407 

Campbell,  Rev.  Dr.  W.  H.,  elected  Prof  of  Bib. 
Lit  ,  125,  reads  lectures  in  Theology,  after 
death  of  Dr.  Van  Vranken,  129,  gives  charge 
to  Prof.  Berg,  129,  resigns  his  Professorship, 
129.  makes  address  at  dedication  of  Suydam 
Hall,  139,  at  de^'ication  of  Sage  Library,  139, 


e'ected  Vedder  lecturer  fjr  1885,  142,  Prof,  of 
Christian  Evidences  in  Rutgers  College,  125, 
pastor  of  4th  ch.  in  New  Brunswick,  125,  ad- 
dress at  Centennial 155,  157 

Canon  and  Interpretation  of  Scripture,  work  on, 

by  Dr.  McClelland 432 

Cannon,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  S.,  temporary  Professor, 
roi.  III,  elected  Piof.,  113,  resign^,  dies,  125, 
his  work  on  Pastoral  Theology,  211,  sketch  of 

442 

Catachetics 47:; 

Cent  Societies 100,  406 

Centennial  Celebration  of  Theolog.  Seminary, 
references  to,  5,  9,  14,  reminds  us  of  Provi- 
dence of  God,  15,  144-146,  what  results  should 
ensue   from,  18,  19,  109,  should   develope   the 

Historic  Spirit 34 

Centennial  Seminary  Fund 260,  405 

Chambers,  Rev.  Dr.  T.  W.,  prepares  an  abridge- 
ment of  Dr.  Livingston's  life,  108,  one  of  Com. 
to  procure  ereciion  of  Theolog.  Hall,  127,  one 
of  Com.  on  selection  of  books  for  Sage  Li- 
brary, 135,  388,  two  lectures  on  "  Inspiration," 
140,  elected  Vedder  lecturerfor  1876,  141,  pub- 
lication of  said  lecture,  142,  reads  Theolog. 
lectures  during  illness  of  Dr.  Van  Zandt,  142, 
assists  in  Bib.  Lit.,  T43,  Bible  reviser,  163,  216 
Chemistry,  duties  of  Prof,  of,  in  Rutgers  College 

122 

Chapel  services  in  Rutgers  College 123,  365 

Chapel  in  Seminary 137 

Charity,  marvelous  character  of 38 

Charters,  see  Royal  charters. 

China 116,   117,163,379,380 

City  of  God,  of  Augustine 40 

Chamberlain,  Rev.  Dr.  Jacob 139 

Christ,  deity  of,  36,  37.  humanity  of,  37,  Dr.   W. 

J.  R.  Taylor's  lectures  on  Person  of 140 

Chinn,  Mrs.  Margaret,  her  gift  to  Library,  136 
Christians,   experience  of,  29,  judgment  of,  29, 

doctrinal  ignorance  of 42 

Christian  Stewardship 390-402 

Christology,  a  Professorship  of,  desirable. . .  .42 
Church,  The,  must  decide  what  her  teachers 
may  teach,  32,  her  position  among  the  nations, 
34,  her  battles,  37,  her  power  is  in  doctrine 
and  life,  40,  converts  doctrine  (or  divine 
thought)  into  dogma  (or  man's  conception  of 
doctrine),  33,  34,  unity  of,  see  Denominations. 

Church  and  State,  evil  effect  of  union 193 

Church  History,  a  providence,  31,  history  of 
man  redeemed,  33,  theology,  the  central  thing 
of,  32,  is  the  Church's  memory,  33,  imperfec- 
tions of  written  annals  of,  33,  teaching  of,  33, 

a  testimony  to  Scripture 33 

Clapp,  Kev.  Thos   T05 

Clark,  John   (of  New   Brunswick),  gives  $5,000 

406 

Clark,  John  (of  New  York),  gives  a  scholarship 

of  $3,000 407 

Clark,  Rev.  Dr.  R.  W... 140 

Classics,  rare  editions  of,  in  Sage  Library. .  .136 
Classis  ot  Amsterdam,  care  of,  over  the  Ameri- 
can churches,  51,  54,  55-61,  71-73  75,  78,  79- 
82,  345,  letters  of,  334,  342,  348,  349,  188,  in- 
sists on   American   church   remaining  united 
with,  335,  forbids  the  American  Church  to  use 
the  names  of  Synod  and  Classes,   336.     See 
American  Classis,  General  Meeting,  Articles 
of  Union 
Classis,  known  as  "  Particular  Bodies,"  81,  then 
as  "  Conventus,"  336;  [the  name  "Classis" 
assumed  in  1784.] 
Classis,  see  American  Classis, 

Cocceius .31 

Coetus,eslablishment  of,  16,55,  298-300,  examina- 
tions by,  permitted,  55,  56,  forbidden,  57,  re- 
solves to  become  a  Classis,  57,  58,  69,  commis- 
sions Rev.  Theodore   Frelinghuysen  to  secure 


INDEX. 


515 


funds  in  Holland  or  an  Academy,  69,  331,  se- 
cession from,  58,  61,  64,  78,  controversy  with 
Confcrentie,  55,  60,  rejects  the  Charter-Pro- 
fessorship in  kings  College,  69,  seeks  a  Chir- 
ter  for  a  Dutch  Academy,  70,  disfavors  union 
with  Princeton,  73,  75,  obtains  first  Charter 
for  Queens  College,  70,  73,  obtains  second 
Charter,  76,  letter  to  Classis  ol  Amsterdam, 
336,  reunion  with  Cor.ferentie,  78,  107,  162, 
translation  of  Minutes  of,  48,  287,  Minutes  of 
(as  the  Ameiican  Cla5si>),  lost,  59,  its  ordina- 
tions 297,  approved 290 

Coetus,  the  Claisis  of  A  nsterdam  will  permit 
this  title  to  the  highest  Body  in  America 
(1768),  but  not  the  title  of  Synod 336 

Cole,  Rev.  Dr.  David,  response  to  Welcome  at 
the  Centennial,  i3-?o,  address  at  dedication 
of  Suydam  Hall,  138,  sermon  at  installation  of 
Prof.  Lansing 144,  281 

College,  general  desire  for,  61,  62,  efforts  ol  the 
Dutch  for,  69-71,  plans  of  union  with  Episco- 
palians, 61-69,  with  Presbyterians,  71-76, 
Dutch  idea  of  a  College, 155,  Colleges,  480 
See  Columbu,  Rutgers  College. 

College  of  Mew  Jersey  (Princeton),  Charters 
and  early  locations,  71,  Brunswick  and  Prince- 
ton compete  for,  72,  Nassau  Hall  named  after 
a  Dutch  king.  72,  relations  to  the  Dutch,  16, 
72,341,  Classis  ofAmsterdamadv.se  that  a 
Dutch  Prof,  of  Divinity  be  located  at  Prince- 
ton, 7376,  79,  335,  the  student  Livings  on 
favors  the  plan,  75,  Coetus  opposes  the  plan, 
73,  75,  76,  79,  Conferentie  opposes  it,  76,  79, 
336,  337"340.  Queens  College  proposes  union 
with,  85,  357,  Dr.  John  Blair  appointed  Prof, 
of  Divinity  in 73,  209 

Collegiate  Church  of  New  York,  its  ministers 
ordain  a  Ger  Ref.  minister,  54,  withdraws 
from  the  Coetus,  58,  61,  64,  78,  302,  applies  to 
the  Provincial  Assembly  for  a  Prof,  of  Divin- 
ity in  Kings  College,  64,  68,  315,  328,  opposes 
a  royal  Charter  for  a  College,  64,  65,  disap- 
pointment in  reference  to  Kings  College,  66, 
329,  individual  action  of  the  pastor,  Ritzema, 
67.  323.  329f  337-340.  censured  by  the  Consist- 
ory, 68,  69,  78,328,  his  reply,  330,  plan  of  the 
pastor,  De  Ronde,  for  a  Prof,  of  Divinity  at 
Princeton.  72,  73,  forbids  its  elders  to  attend 
the  Conferentie,  78,  invites  all  the  Churches 
to  meet  in  a  Convention  ior  union,  78,  79,  re- 
quested by  the  Synod  to  support  Prof.  Living- 
ston, 83,  84,  354,  356,  357,  Trustees  of  endow- 
ment funds,  84,  elects  Dr.  Livingston  as  their 
Prof,  of  Divinity  in  Columbia  College,  88, 
362,  action  not  acceptable  to  General  Synod, 
89,  members  of,  subscribe  $10,000  for  Profes- 
sorate, 91,  resignation  ol  Dr.  Livingston,  91, 
92,  374,  subscribes  $5,000  for  endowment,  103, 
additional  subscriptions,  112,  113,  ti8,  prom- 
ises $25,000  for  a  Theolog.  Hall,  126,  with- 
draws the  offer,  126,  offers  interest  of  $25,000 
for  needy  students,  126,  lequested  to  renew 
their  first  offer,  127,  withdraws  offer  of  interest, 
127,  congratulations  to  the  Seminary,  249,  al- 
lusion, 222,  its  Charter 307 

Columbia  (Kings)  College,  moneys  for  a  College 
raised  by  lottery  (1752-4),  62,  Trustees  of  said 
moneys  petition  Governor  and  Council  for  a 
Royal  Charter,  309,  the  Dutch  de^lre  of  the 
Assembly  a  Prof,  of  Divinity  therein,  58,  61- 
69,  328,  granting  of  Charter  delayed,  63,  64, 
329,  hasty  signing  and  sealing  of  Charter  by 
Governor,  65,  66,  329,  disappointment  of  the 
Dutch  Church  in  the  Charter,  329,  conditions 
of  Charter,  65,  329.  340,  Rilzema's  personal 
petition  for  an  additional  Charter,  67,  323, 
328,  338,  his  conduct  disapproved  by  his 
Church  and  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  73, 
328,  330,  the  Trustees  petition  for  the  money 


raised,  336,  327,  get  one-half  of  it,  328,  Con- 
ferentie endorse  this  Dutch  Profe'isorship,76, 
338,  239,  Marinus  warns  against  it  (1755),  340, 
341,  the  Collegiate  Church  elects  Dr.  Living- 
ston to  this  Prof.  (1804),  88,  362,  documents  re- 
lating to  Its   establishment 30S-331 

See  College. 

Columbia  Theological  Seminary,  (5.  C.),  sends 
congratulations 201  ;  231 

Commencements,  to  be  held  in  Theological 
Seminary 124,  142 

Committee  on  Seminary  Grounds,  (formerly 
Standing  Com.  on  Peter  Hertzog  Hall),  ap- 
pointed, 128,  seeks  to  increase  Permanent 
Fund,  131,  its  constitution  modifieJ,  133,  em- 
ploys a  Financial  Agent,  133,  Ex.  Com.  of 
Bd.  of  Superintendents,  133,  co-operates 
with  Bd.  of  Directions,  133,  its  constitution 
modified,  134,  term  of  service  of  members  ex- 
tended, 134,  invites  the  Synod  to  witness  the 
laying  of  corner-stone  of  Suydam  Hall  137, 
purchases  a  Prof.  Residence,  137,  name  of 
Committee  changed  1876  to  the  above,  154, 
makes  repairs  in  Hertzog  Hall,  134,  special 
services  of  Suydam,  Sage  and  Kirk,  135-137, 
Fund  for  improvement  and  repairs  of  property, 
139,  404;  463;  474.  .See  Bd.  of  Superintend- 
ents, Peter  Hertzog  Hall. 

Committee  on  choice  books  for  Library,  136,  347. 
See  Gardner  A.  Sage  Library. 

Common  Prayer,  Book  of,  imposed  by  Charter 
on  Kings  College 63,  66;  303 

Condict,  Rev.  Ira 16,92,96 

Conferentie,  origin  of,  58,  50,  controversy  with 
Coetus,  59,  60,  favors  the  Kings  College  Pro- 
fessor.'-hip,  70,  76,  79,  letter  to  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  70,  71,  337,  — ,do  not  favor  union 
with  Princeton,  73,  76,  reunion  with  Cjetus, 
78,  107,  162,  minutes  of 48,  287 

Congregationalists,  53,    54,   congratulations  of, 
197,  199,  212,  329, 

Constitution 288-297 

Conventions,  for  union  of  Coetus  and  Conferen- 
tie, (1771)  78,  79,  tor  consideration  of  the  Pro- 
fessorate ii784, ,  82,  for  adoption  of  a  Constitu- 
tion, (1792). 

Conventus,  a  name  allowed  instead  of  Classes.336 

Corea,  Kev.  Horace  G.  Underwood,  mi^sionary 
to 117,  380 

Cornell,  Rev.  Dr.  Jas.  A.  H.,  made  Financial 
Agent  of  Board  of  Superintendents  and  of  the 
Board  of  Direction  for  raising  endowment 
funds,  133,  appointed  also  1869'  by  General 
Synod,  134,  service  on  Hertzog  Hall  Commit- 
tee, 135,  his  great  success  as  agent,  i34-i37t 
387,  404,  405,  one  of  the  executors  of  James 
Suydam's  will,  137,  lays  the  corner-stone  of 
the  Gardner  A.  Sage  Library,  138,  gives 
$1,500 405;  409 

Cornell,  Dr.  Frederic  F.,  gives  $2,500  for 
Library 385 

Cornell  Scholarship,  of  $2,350 407 

Cortelyon,  Peter,  gives  $2,500 ^05 

Corwin,  Rev.  Dr.  E.  T.,  references  to  his 
Manuals,  48,  479,  one  of  Com.  on  selection  of 
books  for  Library,  135,  assists  in  Biblical  Lit- 
erature, 148,  one  of  Com.  to  edit  Centennial 
Volume.  IV. 

Covenants  between  Rutgers  (Queens)  College 
and  General  Synod, — that  of  180;,  89-91,  95, 
100,  363 — of  1816,  9S,  99 — of  1825,  112,  120, 
115,  121,  365 — of  1S39,  365 — of  1840,  121,  122, 
366,  all  finally  repealed 130 

Crispell,  Rev.  Dr.  Cornelius  E.,  sketch  of  Theo- 
log. instruction  in  the  West,  169-180,  elected 
Professor  of  Theology 173 

Criticism,  what  kind  to  be  oppo-ed  and  what 
permitted,  29,  how  to  curb  licentions,  30, 
danger  of  false , 165,  166 


516 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


Curriculum  of  Studies,  first  plan,  95,  463,  469, 
first  modification,  113,  470,  second,  121.  130, 
471,  third,  144,  472,  benefit  of  the  new...   165 

Cuyler,  Rev.  Dr.  Cornelius  C m 

Day,  Rev.  Dr.  George  E.,  add  ess  at  Centen- 
nial  229 

Dayton,   Chs.  P 127,  383 

Dean  of  Seminary 21,  119,  143,  468 

De  Baun,  Rev.  Dr.  John  A 144 

Declaration  of  Independence,  Philip  Livingston, 

one  of  the  signers  oi 105 

De  Lancey,  Gov 63-67 

Delegates  of  Theological  Seminaries,  addresses 

of  congratulations  of 205-231 

Demarest,  Rev.  Dr.  David  D.,  converted  in  re- 
vival of  1837,  119,  elected  Professor,  132  ad- 
dre.ss  at  dedication  of  Sage  Library,  139,  gives 
sketch  of  Gardner  A.  Sage,  390,  discourse  at 
Seminary  Centennial,  48-146,  one  of  Com.  to 
edit  Centennial  Volume,  presides  pnd  gives 
charge  at  inauguration  of  Prof.  Crispell, 
175;  282;  479 
Demarest,  Rev.Dr.  Ja.s.  (Jr.),  preaches  at  in- 
stallation of  Prof.  Crispell 175 

Demarest,      Rev.    Wm.,    translator     of     early 

records 48 

Denominaiional  Life 161-168 

Denominations,  fraternal  feeling  among,  as  re- 
presented by  letters  or  delegates  of  the  follow- 
ing Institutions  at  the  Centennial,  218,  Baptist, 
Rochester,  214;  Congregational,  Andover,  197, 
Bangor,  179,  Hartford,  212,  New  Haven,  229; 
Episcopal,  Cambridge,  302,  General  Theolog- 
ical Sem.,  N.  y.  C,  igq,  Philadelphia,  202; 
Holland,  Stale  Church  of,  185,187, 188;  Holland 
Christian  Church  of,  189;  Lutheran,  Gettysburg, 
203;  Methodist,  Madison  (Drew  Seminary), 
224;  Reformed  (German),  Lancaster,  216; 
Presbyterian,  Auburn,  219.  Bloomfield  (Ger.), 
221,  Columbia,  (S.  C),  201,  Hampden  Sidney, 
(Va.),  199,  Lane,  (O.)  198,  Union,  New  York 
City,  226,  Princeton,  207. 
De  Ronde,     Rev.  Lambertus,    seeks    to  eflFect 

union  with  Princeton 73-76,  334-341 

De  Witt,  Rev.  Dr.  John,  (Sr.),  5,  elected  Pro- 
fessor, 103,  sole  Professor,  no,  suggests  the  re- 
vival of  the  College,  iii,  death  of  114,  sketch 

of ...433 

De  Witt,  Rev.  Dr.  John,  (Jr.),  converted  in 
revival  of  1837,  119,  elected  Professor,  129,  his 
eflForts  to  secure  endowment,  131,  132,  asks  for 
additional  help  in   his  department,    143,  Bible 

Reviser 163,  216 

De  Witt,  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas,  93,  elected  Professor, 
but  declines,  100,  loi.  appointed  one  of  Com. 
to  go  to  Holland  to  secure  endowment,  114, 
gives  charge  to  Prof.  De  Witt,  (fr.),  129,  gives 

$2,500  for  Library 385;  479 

Dickinson,  Kev.  Jonathan 71 

Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology,  Livingston 
elected  to  Chair  of,  49,  50,  79,  83,  his  MSS. 
lectures  on.  loS,  Meyer,  Froeligh  and  Romeyn, 
made  Lectors  in,  84.  S5,  made  Profs,  of,  86, 
taught  temporarily  by  Prof.  De  Witt  (Sr.), 
no,  III,  Dr.  Milledoler  elected  Prof,  of,  in, 
Mark's  Medulla  to  be  the   text-book   in,   113, 

123,  Prof  of  to  teach  moral  Philosophy  in 
Rutgers  College,  122,  duties  of  the  depart- 
ment defined  more  fully,  (1841),  223, 
Dr.      Van      Vranken      elected       Prof.        of, 

124,  Dr.  Berg  elected  Prof,  of,  129, 
Dr.  Shedd  elected  to,  but  declines,  140,  Dr. 
Woodbridge  temporarily  teaches.  140,  Dr. 
Van  Zandt  elected  Prof,  of,  141,  the  Chair  en- 
dowed by  James  Suydam,  13+,  135,  to  be 
called  after  his  name,  138,  140,  residence  pur- 
chased for  Prof,  of,  137,  Dr.  Chambers  tempo- 
rarily teaches,  143,  Dr.  Hartranft  elected  to 
Chair  of,  but  declines,  143,  Dr.  Mabon  elected. 


143,  new  residence  erected  for  Prof,  of,  143. 
See  Sacred  Theology,  Theology.  [Dr.  Living- 
ston was  elected  Prof,  of  Sacred  Theology, 
and  Drs.  Meyer,  Froeligh  and  Romeyn  Erofs. 
of  Theology.  Ihe  phrase  Didactic  and  Po- 
lemic was  not  used  in  the  earlier  appoint- 
ments.]    At    Hope    Seminary,    Crispell,  175, 

Steffens 177;  470,  471 

Diplomas,  to  be  presented  at  Theolog.  Com- 
mencements   142 

Certificates,  of  Prof,  appointments 354 

Dispensations 53,  288 

Dissenters,  English,  in  Holland,  50,  the   Dutch 
not  called  so  by  the  English  Ch.  in   America, 
66  note. 
Divine     Sovereignty    and    Election,    Dr.    Van 

Zandt's  lectures  on 140 

Doctrine,  importance  of,  18,  19,  sad  results  of 
unsound,  28,  distinction  of  doctrine  and  dog- 
U13,  33,  34,  defence  of  doctrine,  39,  43,  the 
thought  of  God,  32,  requires  ages  for  unfold- 
ing, 38,  must  be  studied  according  to  historical 
development,  34,  38 — to  be  understood,  38,  to 
be  vitalized,  38,  39,  to  be  defended,  38-42,  to 
be  appreciated,  42,  43;  value  increased  by 
conflict,  35,  the  chief  doctrines,  7,  living  in- 
terest of,  26,  God  the  centre  ol,  27,  Church 
history  nothing,  without,  31,  of  Christianity, 
a  creation,  31,  individual  view  of,  limited,  32, 
Church  view  of,  larger,  32,  difficulty  of  intro- 
ducing into  the  soul,  32,  power  of.    32 

Doedes,  Rev,  Dr.  J.  T.,  letter  of  congratula- 
tion   187 

Dogma,  distinction  from  doctrine.  ...33,  34;  472 

Domestic  Missions 171-180 

Doolittle,  Rev.  Dr.  T.  S.,  address  at  the  Cen- 
tennial, 241,  gives  sketch  of  James  Suy- 
dam   390 

Dormitories  suggested,  118,  built 126,  127 

Dorstius 59 

Dort,  Synod  of,  gives  clear  e.^cpression  to  the 
doctrines  of  grace,  39,  meeting  of  51,  52,  60,  76 

Doty,  Rev.  Elihu 117 

Drew     Theologica  1  Seminary,   congratulations 

of 224 

Drury,  Rev.  Dr.  John  B.,  elected  Vedder  lec- 
turer for  1883. 

Dumont,  Rev.  A.  H 400 

Duryea,   Margaretta,  gives  $1,000  for  repairs, 

40s 

Duryea,  Richard 118 

Dutch,  etymology  of 217 

Dutch  Ref.  Church.     See  Kef.  Ch.  in  America. 
Easton,  Rev.  Dr.  T.  C,   Address  of  Welcome 

at  Centennial 5,9,13,281 

Ecc.  Hist,  and  Church  Government,  Wood- 
bridge,  Prof  of,  1865 314 

Ecc.  Hist.  Ch.  Gov.  and  Pastoral  Duties,  Schure- 

man  Prof,  of 441 

Ecc.  Hist.  Ch.  Gov.  and  Pastoral  1  heology.  Dr. 
Cannon  teaches  temporarily,  loi,  415,  elec- 
tion of  Dr.  Woodhull  to  Chair  of,  in,  414, 
of  Dr.  Cannon,  113,  414,  Piof.  of,  to  teach 
Mental   Philosophy  in   Rutger's  College,  122, 

125 

See  Pastoral  Theology,  Ecc.  Hist,  and  Ch. 

Gov. 

Educational  Funds,    divided   into  three  classes, 

(i)  Those  held  by  Rutgers  College,  94,  99,  101, 

365,  370,  406,  409.  (2)  Those  held  by  General 

Synod,  406-608.  3)   those  held   by  the  Board 

of  Education 408,  409 

See  Board  of  Education, 

Educational  Society 406 

Education,  Theological,  present  state  of,   27-31 

spirit  necessary  for,  30,   of  a   minister,  is  tor 

the  Church,  not   himse'f,  31,  expenses  of,  126 

See  Educational  Funds. 

Edwards,  Jonathan 40 


INDEX. 


517 


Eells,  Rev.  Dr.  Jamei,  letter  o    congratulation 

at  Centennial .  ...198 

Eendr.acht  maakt  macht XXIX,  229 

Egyptology 474 

Election,  proof  of,  40,  Dr.  Van  Zandl's  lectures 

on 140 

Elijah,  as  a  teacher  of  Apologetics. .  .   41 

Ellsworth,  Henry,  gives  <i,ooo  for  repairs.. 405 

Elmendorf,  Rev.  Dr.  Joachim 141,  207,235 

Ehnerus,  Prof 106 

Emeriti 125 

Endowment,  Coetus  commissions  Rev.  T.  Fre- 
linghuvsen  to  secure  funds  in  Holand,  69, 
331,  338,  339,  much  money  needed  for  the  es- 
tablishment and  maintenance  of  a  college 
{1768  ,  73,  334-336,  Queen's  Collkge  re- 
ceives A  Chartf.r  of  Incorporation  (177c), 
71.  76,  81,  Synod  keeps  the  Professor- 
ship in  view  from  1771,  81,  ^{^4,000  raised 
for  endowment  of  College  (1772), 80,  345 
matters  delayed  by  Revolution,  80, 
oriijin  of,  164,  Synod  promises  to  he'p  the 
College,  353,  the  Synod's  Professors  to 
receive  fees  from  student?,  84,  87,  351,  354, 
406,  S\  nodical  endowments  to  be  raised  by 
subscription,  and  the  funds  to  he  placed  in 
charge  of  ihe  Collegiate  Church  (1784),  84, 
359.  the  College  endowment  (1784),  354,  an 
effort  to  be  made  to  endow  a  Facu  ty  of  The- 
ology (1794),  86,  357,  funds  to  be  placed  in  the 
hands  of  Tiustees,  86,  357,  358,  circulars  sent 
to  all  the  churches  for  Funds  (1796),  86,  the 
students  to  pay  the  Profe  sor  j^io  per  year 
(1800),  87,  a  plan  for  subscriptions  and  collec- 
tions in  all  the  churchts  for  sL-c  years  (1800- 
1806),  87,  the  Collegiate  Consistory  appoint 
Dr.  Livingston  their  Professor  in  Columbia 
College  (1S04),  88,  disapproved  by  Synod,  89, 
all  elTorts  to  be  concentrated  on  one  Professor- 
ship (1804),  89,  funds  to  be  committed  to  the 
Collegiate  Church  as  trustee?,  89,  committees 
appointed  in  every  Classis  (1806),  89,  the  Cov- 
enant of  1807  between  Queens  College  and  the 
Synod  to  unite  the  College  and  Iheolog.  Pro. 
fessorship,  89, 90,  363.  364,  374,  373,406,  510,400 
collected,  91,  moneys  raised  since  1806,  to  be 
•deposited  with  Trustees  of  Queens  College, 
364,  depressed  financial  condition  of  the 
country  (1812),  93,  the  Van  Bunschooten  Be- 
quest of  514,800  for  needy  student*  (i8ij,  94, 
afterward  increased  to  $20,000,  94,  about  fifty 
endowed  Scholarship?,  amounting  to  $113,109, 
since  bestowed,  94,  College  suffers  greatly 
from  'ack  of  fund?,  95,  the  College  Building 
(1809),  consumed  al',  96,  Jioo  appropriated 
toward  the  Library  (1814),  97,  S300  toward 
relief  of  needy  students,  ^7,  first  movement 
toward  endowment  of  a  Second  Theological 
Professorship,  97,  98,  Church  of  .Albany  offers 
S750  per  year  for  six  vears  (1814-1920),  97, 
church  of  New  Brun>wick,  S200  per  ye^r,  for 
same  period,  97-98,  Second  Professorship  es- 
tabli-hed  '1815),  98,  plan  of  a  Theilogical 
College  fi8i5),  9?,  99,  Collegesuspends  oper- 
ations 1816),  90,  the  Trustees  faithfully  ad- 
minister the  Professorial  and  Van  Buns- 
chooten Fnnds  (1816-1825!,  99,  financial  offers 
to  induce  the  Theological  School  to  remove 
to  New  York,  99,  opposed  by  the  Trustees, 
IOC,  cent  societies  again  urged  (1817  ,  100, 
[General  Synod  incorporated,]  1819,  the 
Synod  purchases  the  College  Building  for 
S4,8oo  {1824),  releasing  at  same  time  a  debt  of 
the  Trustees  of  52,212,  loi,  a  Permanent  En- 
dowment resolved  upon  (1820),  loi,  102,  a 
Committee  appointed  to  secure  $25,000  (i822<, 
I02,  report  §26,67=;  '"  1823,  103,  a  third  Pro- 
fessorship resolved  upon  (1823),  102,  $25,000 
to  be  raised  in   the  Particular  Synod  of  .\1- 


banv.  105,  report  (1824)  $26,715,  104,  three 
Professorships  endowed  in  ii-25,  104,  revival 
ofthe  College,  m,  112,  Collegiate  Church 
promise  $1,700  per   year   for   three   years  for 

C resent  emergencies  (1825),  112,  new  Covenant 
etween   the  Synod   and  College  (1825),  112 
113,  the  51,700  of  the  Collegiate   continued 
for  a  fourth  year  (182S-9),  113,  special  collec- 
tions made  for  deficiencies,  113,  plan   to   send 
a  delegation  to  Holland  to  srck  larger  endow- 
ment of  the  Institutions  (1826),  113,    114,  shall 
the  Theological   Professors  be  released  from 
duties  in  the   College   (1832),   114,   the   union 
regarded    as     only    tempor..ry,    115,     Punt's 
amounfng    to   $41,083   collected    (1835),  118, 
$7,033  applied  to  debts,  and  $34,030  added  to 
the    Permanent    Fund,    118,    the   Institutions 
commended   to  all  the  churchei  (1837;,  115, 
the  College  embarrassed  by  some  failureofihe 
Synod  to  observe  the  Covenant  of  1825  (1838), 
120,  modification  of  the  Covenant  in  1839,  121, 
Svpod  promises  to  pay  salary  of  College  Pres- 
ident, although  not   a  Theological   Professor 
(1839),  :2i  Financial  depression  in  the  country, 
12  1,  the  trustees   have   unrestricted  power  to 
appoint  a  President  (1840),  122,  movement  to 
erect  a  Theological  Hall   {1854),  126,  Collegi- 
ate Church  promise  525,000  for  said  Hall,  126, 
their  action  rescinded  ;  they  offer  the  interest 
of  the  same  for  needy  students,  126,  asked  to 
restore  their  first  offer.    127,   withdraw  even 
the   offer  of  interest,  127,   dcnation   of  Mrs. 
Hertzog  of  530,100,   127,  leaves  a  legacy  of 
$10,000  (1866),  for  repairs,  157,  land  given  for 
Hall  by  Messrs.  Neilson,  Bishop,  Dayton  and 
Wessel?,i27,  dedication  of  Herlzog  Hall  (1856), 
127,    Standing    Committee   on   the   Hall   ap- 
pointed (1857),   128,  division   of  the   Library 
between   the  College   and  Seminary,    128,  a 
committee  appointed  to   consider  the  expedi- 
ency and  practicability  of  estab  ishing  a  Pto- 
fessorship  of  sacred    Rhetoric   (1757),  128,  re- 
port that  it  cannot  be  done   by  detailed  solici- 
tation,   but   must  be  done   by  some   opulent 
individual,   12  ,  the  Synod  transfers  the  Col- 
lege property  back  to  the  Tiustees  for  512,000 
(1864),    129,    Professorial   residences   (west  of 
Hertzog  Hall)  built  with  this  money  (1864-5), 
130,  final  abrogation  ofihe  Covenants  between 
the  College  and   the  Synod  after    58    years 
(1865),  130,  the  Standing  Committee  on  Hert- 
zog Hall  authorized  to  raise  funds  for  a  Fourth 
Professorship  (1865),  and  to  increase  the  per- 
manent Fund   (1865),   131,   Rev.   Dr.   N.  E. 
Smith  offers  $40,010  to  the  Permanent  Fund, 
if  the  churches  will  r.iise  the   same  for  a  Pro- 
fessorship of  Pastoral  Theology  and  Sacred 
Rhef.rir  (1865),  131,   ^50,000  paid   in  by  the 
churches    (1865),    132,    Fourth     Professorship 
founded  (1865),  137,  Dr.  Smith  pays  interest 
for  two  years,  133,  becomes  en'barrassed,  and 
asks  to  be  relea-ed  from   his  obligation,  132, 
133,  the  Standing    Committee  authorized  to 
employ  a  Financial  Agent   to  collect  moneys 
133,  the  Board  of  Direction  asked   to   cc-oper- 
ate  in  an  effort   to   rai-e   Sioo.ooo  (1868),  133, 
Rev.  Dr.  Jas.  A.  H.   Cornell  appointed  Agent, 
133,  James  Suydam  subscribes  560,000  to  en- 
dow the  Chair  of  Didact:c  and   Polemic  The- 
ology (1869-1870),  134,   Dr.  Cornell  receives  a 
direct  appointment  from  Synod,    134,  he  re- 
ceives   19  subscriptions  of  $2,500,   each    for 
Library,  135,  $16,000  added  to  the  Permanent 
Fund,  136,  $16,000  obtained  for  the  improve- 
ment of^the   Buildings  and   Grounds  (1871), 
136,   Messrs.  Suydam  and  Sage  give  $9,000 
each  for  purchase  of  a  Professorial  Resitience 
(i872\  137,  Suydam  Ha'l  built  (1871  3),  at  an 
add.tional  expense  of   $ioo,oco,   the  gift  ot 


518 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


James  Suydam,  137,  Gardner  A.  Sage  builds 
the  Sage  Library  (1873-5),  cost  unknown,  138, 
Tames  Suydam  leaves  by  will  $20,000  for 
mamtenance  of  Suydam  Hall,  $20,000  for  gen- 
eral repairs  of  buildings  and  improvements  of 
the  grounds,  and  $20,000  for  the  erection  of  a 
residence  of  the  Professor  of  Didactic  Theol- 
ogy. '39;  Gardner  A.  Sage  gave  (1880) 
$25,000  for  endowment  of  Hertzog  Hall  to  de- 
crease expenses  of  students,  $35,000,  as  a  fund 
to  meet  the  annual  expenses  of  the  Library, 
$20,000  as  a  fund  for  the  purchase  of  book's, 
$5,000  for  finishing  the  basement  of  the 
Library  building,  139;  by  will  he  gave  {1882) 
$50,000  for  the  establishment  of  a  Fifth  Pro- 
fessorship, 139;  the  Vedder  Lecture  founded, 
by  a  gift  of  NicholasT.  Vedder,  $10,000  (1873), 
141,  need  of  further  endowment,  146,  report 
of  Committee  on,  259-261,  remarks  of  Dr.  M. 
H.  Hutton  on,  261.262,  present  amount  of 
Permanent  Fund,  259,,  modes  of  raising,  260, 
reason  for  completing,  261,  262,   general   view 

of  Buildings  and  Endowments 404,  405 

Endowment  of  a  Theological   Chair  in  Hope 

Seminary.... 175,  176,  178 

England,  doctrinal  danger  of., 43 

English  Academies 79 

English  language,  substituted  for  Dutch  in  rec- 
ords 48,  to  be  taught  in  Queens  College,  71, 72 

Ennis,  Rev.  Jacob.. ri7 

Episcopacy,  imposed  on  Kings  (Columbia)  Col- 
lege, 62,   63,  66,  68,   instructions  to  the  early 

Governors 303.304 

Episcopalians,  62,   63,  338,339,  340,  341,  con- 

gjratulations  of 199,202 

Episcopal  Church,  53,  105,  General  Theological 

Seminary  of,  sends  congratulations, 199 

Episcopal  Divinity  School,    Philadelphia,   sends 

congratulations 202 

Episcopal  Office,  design  of 28,  31 

Episcopal  Theological  School,  Cambridge,  sends 

congratulations 202 

Erasmus 29 

Eschatology  (including  prophecy).  Professorship 

of,  desirable 42 

Esoteric  Scholarship 28 

Established  Church   303-307 

Evolution,  Truths  and  Untruths  of 142 

Ethics,  usurping  the  place  of  Theology, 22 

Evangelistic  Theology,  Professor  of,  appointed 

at  Hope  Seminary 178 

Examinations,  by  Coetus,  55,  55,  forbidden,  57, 

expenses  of 56 

Exegetical  Theology,    Prof,    of    appointed    at 

Hope  Sem  178;  472 

Exegesis,  necessity  cf,  18,  is  theological,  24, 
duty  of  the  Exegete,  24,  character  of  the  lan- 
guage and  history  with  which  he   deals,  25, 

assistants  in 143 

Exegetes 163 

Fjcegetical  Department,   Mrs.  Chinn's  gifts  of 

books  to 136 

Exegetical  Theology 79 

Experimental  Philosophy 122 

Faculty  of  Theology,  needed,  (1794),  86,  357, 
organized  (1835),  118,  references  to,  126,  130, 
134.  135.   139.  '43.  46S. 

Faculty  of  Theology  at  Hope  Seminary 178 

Faith,  church  rests  on,  29,  power  of 20 

Famum,   Henry   H.,  gives  $',900  for  Library 

385 

Ferdon,  Hon. John 135 

Ferris,  Rev.  Dr.  Isaac 124,  126 

Fifth  Professorsh  ip 1 39,  144 

First  Professorship. 

First  Theolog.  Professorship  at  Hope  College. 
Foreign  Missions,  Dr.  Livingston  the  early  ad- 
vocate of,  104,  IIS,  interest  on,  among  the  stu- 
dents (1833),  115-117,  Berean  Society  (1811), 


116,  Society  of  Inquiry  (1820),  116,  Dr.  John 
Scudder's  earnest  letter  on  (1833),  116,  appeals 
of  David  Abeel  on  (1834,  1837),  116,  revival  of 
1837,  116,  117,  departure  of  missionaries  (1836), 

117,  list  of  missionaries,  379,  inter-Seminary 
missionary   alliance 117 

Fourth  Professorship, 128-132 

Fourth  year  of  study 144 

Fletcher,  Gov 62,  304,  307 

Flatbush ,  seat  of  the  Seminary 85,  86 

Francker,  University  of 51 

Franklin,  Gov.  Wm.,  76,  writes  to  Ritzema,  337 

Frelinghuysen,  Hon.  Theodore 5,  125 

"  Rev. Jacobus 72 

"  **      John 72 

"  •'       Henricus ^c) 

"  "     Jacobus,  his  effort   to  pro- 

vide an   Academy  for  the 
Dutch,  69,  70,  331,339,  his 

death 70 

"  "      Theodore  J.,  59,  note. ...26 

French  Revolution 32 

Froleigh,  Rev.  Solomon,  appointed  Lector,  85, 
Professor,  86,  appointed  teacher  of  Hebrew  by 
Particular  Synod,  87,  his  students,  87,  sketch 

of 420 

Fuller,   Wm.,  gives    $2,500    for  Library,  385, 

$1,000  for  repairs 405 

Gardner  A.  Sage  Library  (see  Library'),  laying 
of  corner  stone  of,  by  Dr.  Cornell,  138,  ad- 
dresses by  Drs.  Hutton  and  Woodbridge,  138, 
dedication  of  the  building  (1875),  139,  $50,000 
secured  for  immediate  use  in  the  purchase  of 
books,  135,  385,  alcoves  to  be  named  after  sub- 
scribers, 135,  Committee  appointed  to  pur- 
chase books,  and  continued  for  nine  years, 
135.  g'ft  of  Dr.  Bethune's  books,  136,  385, 
character  of  the  Library,  present  number  of 
volumes,  136,  387,  Fund  for  finishing  the  base- 
ment, 139,  Fund  for  annual  expenses,  139,  405, 
Fund  for  purchase  cf  books,  139,  405,  list  of 
some  prominent  works  in,   402,  403,  244,   des» 

cription  of  the   building 389. 

Gardner  A.  Sage  Professorship  of  Old  Testa- 
ment  Languages  and  Exegesis,  144,  405,  Rev. 
John  G.  Lansing  elected  thereto,  144.  (Fifth 
Professorship.) 
Ganse,  Rev.  Hervey  D.,  elected  Prof,  of  Bib. 
Lit.,  but  declines,  129,  lectures  on  "Sacri- 
fice."   .140 

General  Body  (or  Meeting),  [1771-1793,!  organ- 
ized, 78-80,  forbidden  to  call  itselt  "  Synod," 
by  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  (1768),  336,  letters 
from  Queens  College  to,  80,  81,  350,  endorses 
the  College  plan  about  a  Theolog.  Prof.,  81, 
345,  letter  to  Holland  about,  81,  346,  answer, 
82,  348,  minute  on  American  K  evolution,  82, 
[American  Church  resolves  to  use  the  word 
"Synod,"  1784,]  elects  Livingston  and  Meyer 
as  Profs.  50,  83,  84,  efforts  for  endowment,  84- 
85,  appoints  Lectors,  85,  opposes  union  with 
Princeton,  85.  [In  1793  this  Body  becomes  the 
Original  Particular  Synod,  according  to  the 
new  Constitution  of  1792.]  See  Particular 
Synod;  Gen.  Synod. 

Garretson,  Rev.  Dr.John 134 

Gates,  Dr.  M.  E.,  address  at  Centennial. ..237,  281 
Gate?,  Mrs.  M.  E..  poem  at  the  Centennial.  .22& 
General  Synod,  [organized  1794;  see  General 
Body),  minutes  of,  48,  287,  urges  endowment 
of  Theological  Profe^isorship,  8j,  85,  advises- 
removal  0}  Collegeto  Bergen, 85,  Seminary  must 
be  in  or  near  New  York,  S^;,  356,  requests  Col- 
legiate Church  to  dispense  with  part  of  servics 
of  Dr.  Livingston,  86  elects  two  new  Profs. 
(1797),  86,  87,  action  on  the  Professorship,  S6, 
87,  88,  elects  Dr.  Livingston  "  Permanent  Pro- 
fessor," 89,  appoints  Board  of  Superintendents 
in  Queens  College  (1807),  90,  [is  incorporated 


INDEX. 


510 


1819,]  purchase  the  College  property,  (1824), 
loi,  re-convey  the  said  property  to  il  e  College 
Trustees  (1S64),  129,384,  fire-proof  Archives, 
138,  Its  government  ofthe  Seminary,  464.  See 
Board  of  direi-tion,  Rutgers  College  Endow- 
ment, Professorship,  Theological  Seminary, 
Convene,  etc. 
General    Theological  Seminary  (Epis.),  sends 

congratulations 199 

Gerhart,  Rev.   Dr.  E.  V.,   address  at   Centen- 
nial  216 

German     Reformed      Church,     jtv    Reformed 
Church  in   U.  S. 

Germany,  apostasy  01. 43 

Girardeau,  Rev.  Dr.  John  L.,  letter  of  congratu- 
lation at  Centennial 201 

Goetschius,  Rev.  John  H 57,  59,  71,  337 

Goetschius,  R ev.  John  M 59 

Gordon,  Rev.  Dr.  W.  R.  delivers  Vedder  lec- 
tures  141, 142 

Gomarists 51 

Grace,  doctrine  of 39 

Grammar  School 99,  loi 

Gray,  Rev.  Ceo.  Z.,  letter  of  congratulation  at 

Centennial... 203 

Greek  Church ....43 

Green,  Rev.   Dr.   W.   H.,   address  at  Centen- 
nial   207 

Groningen, University  ot 51 

Grottus 35 

Grounds,  fund  for  improvement  of 137,  404 

Guido  de  Bres 33 

Gunn's  Life  of  Dr.  Livingston 

48,  73,  106,  107,  108,  2d,  ic8 

Gymnasium 137 

Hackensack,  as  a  location  for  College  or  Semin- 
ary  16,  71,  85  ;  223,  352,  337 

Hall,  desirability  of 126,  127 

Hardenbtrgh,  Jacob  R loi,  103,  111,377 

Hardenbergh, Rev. Jacob  R 55.  59 

Hardenbergh,  John  A.,  gives  J2, 500  for  Library, 

38s 

Harlem,  Church  of,  subscribes  to  endowment,  91 

Hartley,    Rev.  Dr.  Isaac  S.,    delivers  Vedder 

lecture^,  141,  142,  preaches  at   installation  of 

Ptof.  Mabon 143 

Hartford  1  heolog.  Institute,  143,  163,  congratu- 
lations of • 212 

Hartranft,  Rev.  Dr.   C.  D.,  one  ofthe  Library 
Com.,   135.   elected   Prof,  but  declines,    143, 

elected  Prof,  at  Hartftrd 163,  213 

Harvard  Col  lege 297 

Hasbrouck,   Hon.  A.    B.,  elected  Pres.   of  Rut- 
gers College 123 

Heath,  S.  R.  W 135 

Hebrew,  Bib.  Criticism   and  Ecc.  History,  Pro- 
fessorship of  desired  (1814) 98 

Hebrew  Language,  24,  353,  Meyer  elected  In- 
structor in,  49,  83,  353,  414  (Froeligh,  Bassett 
and  G.  A.  Kuypers  appointed  teachers  in,  by 
Particular  Synod,  87,  414  ;  this  action  repudi- 
ated by  Gen«ral  Syncd,  89,  414),  Bassett  elect- 
ed teacher  of,  and  Jer.  Romeyn,  Prof,  of,  89, 
414,  Mabon,  J.  S.,  temporary  instructor  in, 
loi,  415,  McClelland,  instructor  in,  114,  415, 
Corwir,  instructor  in,  143,  415.  See  Heb.  and 
Ecc.  Hist.;  Biblical  Lit.;  Old  Testament 
Langs,  and  Exegesis. 
Hebrew  and  Ecclesiastical  History,  Van  Har- 
lingen    elected   Prof,  of,  95,  division   cf   the 

Chair 414 

Hedges,  James  E.,  gives  §7,500  for  Library,  385 
Heidelbere   Catechism,   98,  218,  293,  387,  trans- 
lation of  Vanderkemps  lectures  on 430 

Hellenistic  Greek  and  New  Testament  Exegesis 
[Professorship  of,  constituted  18S4],  Rev.  Dr. 

De  Witt,  Prof,  of 144,  415 

Hemphill,  Rev.  Dr.  Chas.  R.,  letter  of  congrat- 
ulation at  Centennial 201 


Hermeneutics,  must  be  historical 31 

Hertzog  Hall,  see  Peter  Hertzog  Hall. 
Hertzog    Hall    Committee,  see  Committee  on 

Seminary  Grounds. 
Hertzog,  Mrs.  Anna,  her  gifts  to  build  and   en- 
dow  a  Theological   Hall,  127,  404,  sketch  of, 
381. 

Heterodoxy,  danger  of 166 

Heyer,  Isaac,  34,  407,  sketch  of 377 

Historic  Spirit,  necessity  cf 3'.  33 

Historic    Theology,    imperfect    endowment    of 

Chair  of 405 

Historical  Theology,  address  by  Prof.  Wood- 
bridge  on 23-44 

History,  importance  of,    14,  15,  what  constitutes 
essential,  32,  power  of,  34,  true   design  of,  34, 
35,  valuable  works  on  in  =age  Library. . .  .1^6 
Hoedemaker,  Rev.  P.   C,  letter  of  congratula- 
tion at  Centennial 188 

Hoffman,  Rev.  Dr.  E.  A.,  letter  of  congratula- 
tion at  Centennial ••  '99 

Holland,  gloricus  history  of,  14-16,  ministerial 
education  in,  50,  51.  persecutions  in,  7.  51,  193 
Holland  |itatt]  Church  of,  34,  sends  ministers  to 
AmericT,  56,  51,  unwilling  to  give  full  inde- 
rendence  to  the  American  people  (17^8),  33Si 
heterodoxy  of,  in  the  earlier  part  of  this  cen- 
tury, 188-196,  persecutes  Separatists,  193,  con- 
gratulations of 185,187,187 

Holland,  Christian   Church  of,  congratulatioi.s 

of 189,  196 

Hollanders,    immigration    of,  50,   51,   171-180, 

causes  of '. ...   191-196,  252 

Holmes  Rev.  Dr.  J.  McC 220 

Home  of  the  Friendless 397 

Honorarium 354 

Hope  College,  171-180;  178,  congratulations  of 

250-254;  281 

Hope  Seminary .8,  169-180,  196,  250-254,  475 

Hopkins,  Rev.  Dr.  S.  M.,  address  at  Centen- 
nial  ; 219 

Hudson  River  Ministerial  Association 131 

Hutton,  Rev.  Dr.  M.  H.,  5,  report  on  Endow- 
ment and  address 259-26* 

Hutton,  Rev.  Dr.  M.  S.,  gives  charge  to  Prof. 
Woodbridge,  128,  and  to  Prof.  Demarest, 
132,  address  at  laying  of  corner-stone  of  Sage 
Library,  138,  at  the  dedication  ofthe  Library 

130 

Incorporation?,  first  Charter  of  a  Dutch  Church, 
307,  Charters  for  Queens  College,  70,  71,  75, 
332-336  ;  71,  76,  81,  342.  346,  bequests  to  be 
left  to'Queens  College,  369  [General  Synod  in- 
corporated, i8ig,  see  Board  of  Direction]  ;  see 
Royal  Charters. 

Idealism .37 

Independence   of  the  American  Church,  right 

of 60,  61 

Independent  Reflector,  paper  of  Hon.  Wm.  Liv- 
ingston  62,  341 

India 116,  117  163,380 

Infidelity,  18S,  Vedder  lectures  or,  141,  nega- 

tionsof 142 

Inglis.  Rev.  Dr.  David       .139-  Mi 

Inspiration,  Dr.  Chamber's  lectures  on. 14c,  141 
Inspired  Languages,  Dr.  Meyer  elected  Prof,  of, 
50,  83,  354.  ,  ^,_  .    . 

Instruction,  necessity  of  Christian...   33 

Instruction   in   the  Inspired  Language,  50,83. 

354.  414-  ^  .    . 

Inter-Seminary  Missionary  Alliance,  117,  210, 
213. 

Jackson,  H 13S 

Jackson,  Peter  A.  H.,  gives  $2,500  for  Library, 
385,  bequest  10  Permanent  Fund 405 

James  Suvdam  Hal',  gift  cf  Mr.Suydamfor,  137, 
laying  of  corner  stone,  and  dedication  of,  137, 
138,  Fund  for  repairs  of,  139,  404,  description 
of  the  Building,  388.     See  Suydam,  James. 


520 


CENTENNIAL   MEiMORIAL. 


JamesSuydam.Professorof  Didactic  and  Polemic 

Theology ...134,138,405 

ranewa\,    Rev.  Dr.  Jacob  J„  Vice-President  of 

College..... 1x9,  120 

Japan 117,  163,  380 

Java 116,379 

ye  tnaintiendrai 189 

Jones,  Rev.  Jos.  H.,  writes  account  of  revival  of 

1S37 119 

Justification   34,  3S 

Kampen,  Theological  School  of,  sends  congratu- 
lations, 189-196,  sketch  of  School,  igi,  195. 

Kennedy,   Rev.  Dr.  Duncan 125 

Kmgs  College.  See  Columbia  College. 
Kirk,  William  H.,  his  valuable  services  as  mem- 
ber of  Hertzog  Hall  Committee 135 

Kip,  Isaac  L.,  96,  Scholarship  named  after..  .407 

Kip,  Rev.  Dr.  F.  M 45,  46 

Knox,  Rev.  Dr.  C.  E.,  address  at  Centennial. 221 

Knox  Family ..222 

Kno.v,  Fund  for  education 365,  406 

Knox,   Rev.  Dr.  John 118,222 

Knox,  Miss  Rebecca,  gives  $2,000 406 

Kuyper.-,  Rev.  G.  A ,^7,  90,  414 

Labagh,  Rev.  Peter 114 

Laidlie,  Rev.  A 106 

Lancaster  Seminary,  sends  congratulations... 216 

Lane  Seminary,  sends  congratluations 198 

Languages,   Prof,    of   in    Rutgers    College,   his 

duties 122 

Lansing,   Chs.  B.,  gives  $2,5^0  lor  Library.. 385 

Lansing,  Rev. John  G.,  elected  Prof..  144,  164,415 

Lectors,  one  to  teach  Dutch  at  Princeton;  74,  to 

teach  theology,  84,  85,  86  ;    175-179,  335  ;  list 

^  of 414 

Lecture-rooms 137 

Lectures,  course  of  twelve  delivered,   140  ;    see 

Vedder  Lectures. 
Letters  of  Congratulation  at  Centennial. .  1S1-231 

Lefferts,  John,  gives  $2,500  for  Library 385 

Lewis,  Prof.  Tayler,  lectures  on  Nature  and  the 

Scriptures - 141,  142 

Ley  den.  University  of. 51 

Leydt,  Rev.  John,  licensure  and  ordination,  57, 

pamphlets,  46,  references 60,  71,  77,  337 

Librarian  appointed 97,  136,  463 

Libraries,  what  are  they.... 38 

Library  (of  the  beminary).  Gen.  Synod  to  pro- 
vide money  for,  90,  364,  $100  appropriated 
towards,  97,  early  beginnings  of,  136,  room 
for,  in  Hertzog  Hall,  138,  division  of,  with 
Rutgers  College,  128,  36;,  Gardner  A.  Sage 
constructs  a  building  tor,  138,  library  and 
building  to  be  called  "The  Gard.ner  A.  Sage 
Library,''  143,  which  see. 
Licensure  to  preach,  requirements  for  53,  95,  288 

Livingston  Family 105 

Livingston,  Rev.  John  (of  Scotland) 105 

Livingston,  Rev.  Dr  John  Henry,  his  ancestry, 
10;,  his  early  history,  105,  106,  his  education, 
106,  75,  78,  called  to  New  York,  78  his  efforts 
to  unite  the  Church,  77-80,  University  of 
Utrecht  recommends  him  as  Piesident  of 
Queens  College,  and  Prof.  Theology  {1774', 
348,  349,  elected  Professor  of  Theology  by  the 
General  Meeting  (1784),  49,  83,  his  Latin  In- 
augural, 83,  417,  IS  e  ected  Pres.  of  Queens 
College,  and  Theolog.  Pro'',  therein  (1784),  83, 
'>  i,,  354,  fluctuations  of  the  Insiitution,  84-87, 
his  letter  to  Particular  Synod  (1796),  S6,  359- 
361,  his  gre.it  Missicnary  Sermons  (1799,  1804), 
115,  198,  is  elected  Prof,  of  Theology  m  Col- 
umbia College  (1804),  83,  362,  elected  Pro.^ 
Theology,  by  Gen.  Synod  as  "  Permanent 
Prof.,"  89,  elected  Prof,  of  Theo'ogv  in 
Queens  College  (1807),  91,  removes  to  New 
Brunswick  (1810),  92,  secures  the  'Van  Bun- 
schooten  Bequest,  94,  367,  his  self-sacrific,  86, 
92.   93.  sS-J,  his  first   official  report  at  New 


Brunswick  (1812*,  94,  95,  373,  opposes  the  re- 
moval of  the  school  liack  to  New  York,  96,  97, 
proposes  a  Theological  College,  98,  urges  on 
the  endowment,  102,  103,  104,  review  of  his 
lile,  character  and  influence,  104-109,  his 
death,  107,  iic,  his  MSS.  lecturer,  108,  a 
Chair  should  be  endowed  to  be  called  by  his 
name,  or  the  Institution  should  be  called  after 
him,  log,  sketch  of,  416,  references,  5,  16,  17, 
144,  146,  151,  162,  164,  185,  187,  198,  21C,  214, 
224,  226,  230. 
Livingston,  Hon.  William,  10-,  opposes  a  sec- 
tarian College,  62,  63,  his  minority  report,  63, 
65,  316,  allowed  to  br  ng  in  a  Bill  for  a  Free 
College,  65,  319,  documents  relating  to,  308- 
33I- 

Logic   40 

Lott,  Hon.  Abtam 75 

Lott,  kev.  John  S.,  gives  $1,000 405 

Lotteries 62 

Lord's  Supper,  its  value  increased  by  its  history, 

35,38. 
Ludlow,  Rev.  Dr.  John,  eUcted  Pro'',  of  Bib. 
Lit.  (18.9),  loi,  removes  to  Albany,  130,  sub- 
scription 10  endowment,  103,  one  of  Com.  on 
endowment,  104,  elected  Prof,  of  Ecc.  Hist., 
etc.  (1825!,  but  declines,  iii,  elected  Pres.  ot 
Rutgers  College  (1825),  but  declines,  121, 
elected  Prof,  of  Bib.  Lit.  and  Ecc.  Hist.  (i83i\ 
but  declines,  114.  elected  Prof,  of  Did.  1  heol. 
(1841),  but  declines,  124,  elected  Prof,  of  Ecc. 

Hist,,  etc.  (1852),  126,  sketch  of 447 

Luther,  exponent  of  Justification   by   Faith,  34, 

38,  a  new,  desired 19 

Lutheran  Theolog.  Seminary,  Gettysburg,  sends 

congratulations 203 

Lydekker,  Rev.  G 59 

Mabon,Rev.  Dr.  John  S.,  93,  teaches   Hebrew, 

loi,  sketch  of 459 

Mabon,  Rev.  Dr.  W.  V.  V..  elected  Prof.,  143, 

prayer  of 3,  4 

Mandf  ville,  Rev.  Dr.  Giles 410 

Manual  of  Keformea  Church,  quoted 48,  479 

Mapes,  Daniel,  gives  $2,500  for  Library 585 

Masten,  Hiram  W.,  gives  $2,500  for  Librar}-, 
385. 

Mathematics,  Prof,  of 98,  112,  132 

McClelland,  Rev.  Dr.  Alex.,  elected  Prof., 
114,  his  sermon  on  Spiritual  Renovation,  117, 
hisexplanation'^,  117,118,  was  not  required  to 
teach  in  the  College,  119,  resigns,  125,  sketch 

of 449 

McLean's  Hist,  of  Princeton  College 72,  74 

McMurray,  Kev.  Dr.  Wm   113 

Marinus,  Rev.  Davie',  57,  letter  of 340 

Marcks,  Medulla 113,123 

Mathews,  Rev.  Dr.  James  M 113 

Methodists,  congratulations  of 224,227 

Mever,  Rev.  Herman,  appointed  instructor  in 
Hebrew,  49,  83,  144,  349,  354,  lector  in  theol- 
ogy, 84,  sketch  of 418 

Milledoler,  Rev.  Dr.  Philip,  210,  218,  preached  at 
installation  of  Prcf.  Schureman,  98,  elected 
Prof.   (1825),    III,    resigns    (1841),    123,    124, 

sketch  of 4j8 

Millenium   229,  370 

Miller,  Christian 104,  378 

Mills,  Rev.  Samuel  f -.19S 

Minister-,  true  character  of  44;  difficulties  of 
obtaining,  in  last  century,  52,  53,  qualifica- 
tions demanded,  50,  51,  53,  57,  their  subscrip- 
tions to  endowments,  1C3,  104,  number  of,  in 
1884,  6,  old-time,  266,  267,  268,  the  minister 
of  to-day,   269,  the   characteristics  needed  for 

the  future 271,276 

Ministry,  necessity  of  recruits  for,  19,  theol- 
ogy, the  special  studv  o*",  23,  24,  educated 
men,  29,  must  watch  the  teachings  of  Profes- 
sors, 29,  education  ot,  for  the  Church,  31,  liter- 


INDEX. 


521 


ary  qualifications  for,  76,  77,  28?,  289,  Queens 
College,  devoted  to,  90,  99,  recruits  frcm  the 
poor,  94,  impress  of  Ur.  Livingston  on,  104, 
109,  design  of  the  Seminary,  144,  fidelity  of, 
162,  i6;,  cf  the  Past,  and  ot  the  Kuiure,  255, 
259-27!?,  sacredncss  and  dignity   of,  in   former 

times,  266,  what  shall  it  be  in  the  future 

268-276 

Ministry  Act  of  1603 62,  304 

Minute>  of  Gcner.il  Synod,  importance  of  Vol.  I, 

48,  correction  division  of 287 

Minutes  of  Rutgers  College,  first  vol.  lost,  80 
note. 

Miracies,   Dr.  Ormiston,  lectures  on 140 

Missionaries 115,  116,  163,  165,  379,  380 

Missions,  Dr.  Livingston's  Sermons  on,  115,  198, 
418,  necessity  of  more  men,  19,  number  of 
churches  and  communicants  in,  6,  inter-Sem- 
inary alliance  on 117,210 

Morris,  Rev.  Jonathan  F 108 

Nassau  Hall 72 

Natural  sm.   Rev.   Dr.   R.  W.   Clark,    lectures 

on 140 

Natural   Philosophy 98,  112,  122 

Nature  and  the  Scriptures,  Dr.  Tayler  Lewis  lec- 
tures on 141 

Neander 31 

Neilsor,  Co!.  James 127,382 

Neilsoii,  John 352 

Nevius  Rev.  Elbert 117,  183 

New  Brunsw  ck,  city  of,  shall  College  of  New 
Jersey  be  located  there,  71,  location  of  Queens 
College,  81,  Seminary  removes  to. ...83,  91-94 
New  Brunswick,  First  Church  of,  invues  the 
Synod  to  hold  Centennial  exercises,  5,  13, 
memories  of,  8,  subscribes  towards  endowment, 

(18 14),  97,  references 57.  60. 

New  Brunswick,  Second  Church  of. . .  .5,  13,  128 
New  Brunswick,  Fourth  Church  of,  26,  note. 

New  Testament  E.xegisis 405 

New  Testament  Theolngy,  26  note. 
New  York  City,  its   place   in  history,   16,  good 
place  for  a    I'heolog.  Sem.,  16,  88,  too  expen- 
sive, 84,  Seminary  removed  from,  85,  removed 
back,  86,  89,  transferred  to  New  Brunswick. 92 

New  York  .Mercury 62,70 

New  York  Missionary  Society 114 

Nisi  Frustra  Dominus 9 

Nonconformiiy 105 

Old  Testament,  indorsed  by  Christ,  25,  grandeur 

ot  study  of. 24,  25 

Old  Testament  Languages  and  Exegesis,  new 

Professorship  of  (1884) 144 

Old  Testament  Theology,  26  note. 
Ordinations,  early  ones  in  America,  54,  295-298, 

those  of  Coetus  endorsed     290 

Ormiston,  Rev.  Dr.  \Vm.,  address  at  dedication 
of  Suydam  Hall,  137,  lectures  on  Miracles, 
140,  Vedder  Lecturer  for  1882,  141,  preaches  at 

installation  of  P.'of.  Mabon 143 

Orthodoxy,  224,  necessity  of  sustaining,  18,  whea 
fossilized,  33,  117,  of  our  Seminary,  151    152, 
162,  208,  359. 
Osgood,  Rev.  Dr.  Howard,  address  at  Centen- 
nial      214 

Particular  Bodies  (or  Classes),  81,  344,  name 
"Classis"  forbidden, 336, [the name"  Classis" 

assumed,  1784,] 

Particular  Synod,  a  name  sometimes  applied  to 
the  General  Body  (or  Meeting)  of  1771-1792, 
especially  to  the  final  sessions.  In  1793,  ''^'^ 
Body  actually  became  the  (original)  Particular 
Synod.      See     General     meeting ;      General 

Synod  48,  287 

Particular  Synod,  (1793-1799,  Oct.)  48,  287,  op- 
posed to  union  of  Queens  College  with  Prince- 
ton, 85,  357,  urges  General  Synod  to  press  the 
endowmeiit,  85,  Dr.  Livingston  reports  to, 
(1796,)  86,  359,  writes  elaborate  letter  to,  86, 


resolves  to  press  General  Synod's  plans  of  en- 
dowment, &6,  appoints  three  teachers  ot 
Hebrew,  (1799',  87,  action  repudiated  by  Gen. 
Synod,  (1804),  89.     See  General  Synod. 

Particuhtr  Synod  of  Albany 104 

Particular  Synod  cf  Chicago 

Particular  Synod  cf  New  York,  approves  the 
plan  for  endowing  Queens  College,  (1807).. 89 

Pastoral  Theolfgy,   Dr.  Cannon's  work  on.. 444 

Pastoral  Theology,  must  not  be  crowded  into  a 
corner 98 

Pastoral  Theology,  Ecc.  Hist,  and  Ch.  Gov.,  98, 
Dr.  Ludlow  elected  Prof,  of,  126,  414,  Wood- 
biidge,  128,414;  Chair  should  be  separately 
endowed 260 

Pastoral  Tneology  and  Sacred  Rhctr  ric,  128, 129, 
13T,  132,  Dr.  Demarest  elected  Prof,  of 414 

Pauline  Theology,  26  note. 

Peck,  Rev.  Dr.  T.  E.,  letter  of  Congratulation  at 
Centennial 200 

Peltz,  Rev.  Dr.  Philip 139 

Permanent  Fund,  101,  113,118.  131,  relieved  t.y 
the  endowment  of  Chair  of  Did.  and  Pol. 
Theology,  135,  increased,  136,  present  amount 
of 250,405 

Permanent  Contingent  Fund,  405.  See  endow- 
ment. 

Permanent  Profe.«sor,  86,  364.   See  Professorate. 

Peter  Hertzog,  Theological  Hall,  donations  ot 
Mrs.  Hertzog,  127,  404,  donation  c  f  land  for, 
127,  382,  laying  of  c  rner-stone  and  dedication 
of,  127,  128,  repaired,  134,  136,  139,  permanent 
endowment    of,   139,  404,  403,  regulations  of 

474 ,  Rectors  of 134 

See  Committee  on  Seminary  Grounds. 

Petrine  1  heology,  26  nc  te. 

Philosophy,  valuable  works  on,  in  Sage  Library 
■ 136,387 

Phillips  Academy 197 

Physical  Science,  iij.  Religion 388 

Pilgrim  Fathers 230 

Plan  of  Union,  73-75,  7S-81,  91,  107,  417.  See 
.\rticles  of  Union  ;  union  of  Coetus,  etc. 

Plan  of  the  Theological  School 463,  464 

Polemic  Theology,  79.  See  Didactic  and  Po- 
lemic Theoloey 

Practical  Theology,  26,  27,  405.  See  Pastoral 
Theology,  etc. 

Prayer,  its  Relation  to  Modem  Thought  and 
Criticism,  141,  necessity  of 19 

Preaching,  O!  position  todoctiinal,  27,  character 
of  true,  6,  should  take  in  the  sublimer  doc- 
trine?, 43,  the,  of  the  future 273,  274 

Prentiss,  Rev.  Dr.  George  L.,  address  at  Centen- 
nial   226 

Presbyterians,  general  reference',  53,  62,  103, 
117,  226,  337,  338,  ordain  Goetschius  for  Ger. 
Ch  ,  54,  in  Holland,  5c,  proposed  union  with, 

72,  73,  congratulations  of 

198,  199,  201,  207,  219,  221,  226 

Princeton,  competes  with.  New  Brunswick  for 
College  of  New  Jersey 72 

Princeton  College.     See  College  of  N.  J. 

Princeton  Seminary,  visited  by  Committee  to 
learn  the  worth  of  a  Hall,  126,  prospective 
Theological  School,  338,  congratulanons  of,  at 
Centennial,  207.    See  College  of  New  Jersey. 

Professorate,  the  usual  word  for  Professorship  in 
the  early  English  minutes,  289,  345,  3501  etc. 
See  Professorship. 

Professorial  Appointment 292,  354 

Prcfessorial  Certificate 

•  •   ••53.56,84,95,   109,142,144,288,294,354 

Professorial  Fund,  99,  101.  See  Endowment  ; 
Permanent  Fund. 

Professorial  Hall 364 

Professorial  Residences 

„  ••, 98.  129.  '33.  137.  139.  143.  384.  404 

Professor,  Permanent 8c,  364 


522 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


Professors,  duties  of,  95,  288-295,  467,  salary  of, 
269,  emeriti,  125,  distinction  between  minis- 
ters and,  290,  2QT,  how  chosen,  292,  time  of 
service,  292,  suDS>;ription  to  Formula,  293, 
must  give  Professorial  certificates,  294,  rela- 
tions to  congiegation«,  294,  resignation  of,  295, 
responsibility  to,  295,  support  of,  295,  list  of 
414 

Professorstiip  of  Theology,  high  standard  of  min- 
isterial qualifications  demanded,  51,  288,  Uni- 
versities of  Holland,  51,  original  object  of 
Profs,  of  Iheology,  288,  necessity  of  theolog. 
education  in  America,  52,  53,  289,  effort  to 
establish  a  Professorship  in  Kings  College 
(i755)>  61-69,  3'^S-33o,  Frelinghuysen's  effort 
to  establish  an  Academy  for  the  Dutch  alone 
(1759)1  69,  331,  effort  to  found  a  Professorship 
in  Queen's  College  (1766),  70,  71,  332,  effort 
to  unite  with  Princeton,  71-76,  335-341,  second 
attempt  to  found  a  Professorship  in  Queens 
Col'ege,  1770,  76-78,  342,  the  Professorship  of 
the  Plan  of  Union,  78-60,  289,  290,  new  efforts 
to  unite  the  Professorship  with  Queen's  Col- 
lege, 80-83,345-351.  See  Theological  Seminary ; 
Rutgers  (Queen  s)  College;  Endowment ;  rnd 
the  title  of  each  Professorship,  viz..  Theology 
Sacred  Theologj  ;  the  Inspired  Langs.;  He- 
brew; Hebrew  and  Ecc.  History;  Ecc.  Hist., 
Ch.  Gov.,  and  Pastoral  Duties;  Bib.  Lit.  and 
Ecc.  Hist.;  Biblical  Literature;  Didactic 
and  Polemic  Theology;  Ecc.  Hist.,  Ch.  Gov. 
and  Pastoral  Theology;  Pastoral  Theology, 
Ecc.  Hist.,  and  Ch.  Gov.;  Ecc.  History  and 
Church  Government;  Hellenistic  Greek  and 
New  Testament  Exegesis  ;  Pastoral  Theology 
and  Sacred  Rhetoric  ;  Old  Testament  Lan- 
guages and  Exegesis.  Also  Apologetics;  Chris- 
tology  ;  Prophecy ;  Soteriology . 

Professors  of  Theology,  the  general  name  for  all 
Professor?,  288,  Note  3  ;  289,  art  28,  291,  292, 
293,  etc.;  23.  Constitutional  Legislation  con- 
cerning Professors,  288-295;  list  of. . .  .414,  415 

Prophecy,  a  Professorship  of,  desirable 42 

Providence,  avenges  St.  Bartholomew  massacre, 
9;  in  the  history  of  Ref.  Ch.  Seminary,  15,  16; 
study  of  Church  History  as  a,  31,  in  raising  up 
great  11  en 34;  105,  106,107,144-146 

Psalm  and  Hymn  Book,  copy-right  of,  percentage 
to  go  to  support  of  needy  students 406 

Psalmody 105 

Psalter  The,  a  witness  to  the  Divine  Origin  of  the 
Bible 141 

Psychology,  (with  Eschatology  and  Prophecy)  a 
Professorship  of,  desirable 42 

Pulpit  Eloquence,  Dr.  Bethune  requested  to  de- 
liver lectures  on 128 

Queens  College.  See  Rutgers  College. 

Quid-,  Rev.  Peter  J 134, 136 

Rationalists,  not  masters  in  sacred  science,  30;  in 
Holland 191,  193 

Reading,  Dr.  Bethune  gives  practical  exercises 
in 12S 

Reason  vs.  Faith 41,  42 

Redemption,   Edwards'  History  of. 40 

Reformation,  doctrines  of,need  to  be  re-asserted, 
7,  danger  of  apostacy  from 43 

Reformed  Church  in  America, (Dutch  Reformed,) 
105,  ic6,  itatisiics  in  1884,  6;  successive  steps 
in  organization  of,  16  ;  necessities  of,  for  min- 
isters, 5?,  early  special  ordinations,  54,  early 
members  o',  51,  52,  number  of  in  1770,  76, 
secures  the  right  to  appoint  Theological  Pro- 
fessors, 79,  the  first  to  contemplate  a  Theological 
Seminary,  359,  backwardness  in  developing  its 
Theolg.  Sem.  90;  359,  independence  of,  107, 
history,  of  48,  108,  how  to  preserve  its  distinc- 
tive character,  120,  121,  its  general  history, 
character  and  work,  161-168,  love  of  its  chil- 
dren for,  163,  charity  to  other  Bodies,  163-164, 


quasi-union  with  the  Church  of  Holland,  338, 
letter  of  Classis  granting  semi-independence 

to 342 

Reformed  Church  in  Holland,  motto  of,  XXVI 

28;  importance  of  history  of 15;  26 

Reformed  Church   in    the    United   States,  (Ger. 

Ref.),  54,  338,  congratulations  cf. 216 

Regeneration,  power  of,  32,  Dr.  De  Witt's  Ser- 
mon on 436 

Religion,  care  of  the  Dutch  for,  5c,  51,  discus- 
sions on,  among  the  people,  51;  is  01   the  heart 

rath;r  than  of  the  intellect 42 

Remonstrants 51 

Residences  of  Professors,  see  Professorial  Resi- 
dences. 

Resurrection  of  Christ,  proof  of 40 

Revision  of  English  Bible 163,  216 

Revivals 108,   116,  117,  119 

Revolutionary  War ....8c,  82 

Riddle,  Rev.  Dr.  M.  B.,  elected  Prof,  at  Hart- 
ford, 163,  213,  one  of  the  Revisers  cf  A.  V., 
163. 
Ritzema,  Rev.  John,  one  of  the  governors  of 
Kings  College,  66,  67,  329,  separates  from  tr.e 
Coetus,  58-64,  obtains  of  the  Governor  and 
Council  of  the  Province  an  additional  Charier 
for  a  Divinity  Prof,  in  Kings  College,  67,  68, 
329,  ils  rejection  by  the  Church,  68,  69,  cen- 
surtd  by  his  own  church,  68,  69,  328-330,  the 
cause  of  the  Coetus  and  Conferentie  strife.  33c, 
his  reply,  330,  pamphlets  of,  48,  60,  letter  from 

Gov.  Franklin  to... 337 

Rochester  Theological  Seminary  (Baptist),  con- 
gratulations of 214 

Romanism 37 

Romeyn,  Rev.  Jas.  V.  C 114 

Romeyn,  Rev.  Jeremiah,  elected  Prof,  of  He- 
brew Language,  8g,  go,  sketch  of 4 27 

Romeyr,  Rev.  Dr.  Theodoric,  48,  59,  72,  elected 
President  of  Queens  College,  351,  appointed 
Lector,  85,  Professor,  86,  87,  sketch  of.  ..,424 
Royal  Charters,  opposition  to,  for  an  Episcopal 
College,  to  be  supported  by  general  taxation, 
62-66,  obtained  for  Queens  College  in  N.J., 
70,  71,  second  charter,  76,  77,  for  College  of 
New  Jersey,  71,  for  Collegiate  Church,  N.  Y. 
C.  (1696),  307,  for  1  rinity  Church  (1697),  306, 
307.  See  Incorporations. 
Runk,  Wm.  T.,  gives  $2,500  for  Library,  385, 

Si,ooo  for  repairs 405 

Rutgers  College  (formerly  Queens),  necessity 
of  a  College  early  felt,  69,  first  efforts '; or,  69, 
337,  341,  first  Charier  ot,  70,  71,  75,  332,  334, 
336,  second  Charter  of,  71,  76,  81.  337,  342,  346, 
earfy  struggles  of,  15,350,  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam advises  against  a  separate  College  for  the 
Dutch,  73,  335,  extracts  from  second  Charter, 

76,  77,  conditions  for  President  of,  77,  may 
have  a  Professor  of  Divinity,  77,  7c,  difficul- 
ties of,  79,  351,  must  have  a  Prof,  ot  English, 

77,  must  keep  ils  records  and  accounts  in 
English,  77,  desires  to  co-operate  with  Synod 
in  reference  to  a  Theolog.  Prof.,  80-83,  345, 
350-352,  calls  Rev.  John  Brown  as  Divinity 
Prof.,  loss  of  minutes,  80  note,  seeks  a  Presi- 
dent and  Prof,  of  Theology  from  Holland,  80, 
81,84,  345,  Dr.  Livingston  is  recommended, 
83.  349.  seeks  the  patronage  of  the  Church 
(1784),  82,  Rev.  Dr.  Romeyn  elected  Presi- 
dent, 341,  Convention  resolves  to  help  the 
College,  87,  83,  353,  letter  to  the  Synod  (1784), 
350,  elects  Dr.  Livingston  President  and  The- 
ological Prof.  (1784),  83,  84,  354,  355,  asks  help 
of  the  Church  to  endow  (1791),  84,  promises  to 
call  only  such  Theolog.  Prof,  as  is  approved  by 
Synod,  85,  seeks  union  with  Princeton,  85, 
closed  (1794-1807),  89,  asked  by  Synod  to  re- 
move to  Bergen,  85,  355,  again  asks  Synod  to 
unite  the  Theolrg.  Prof,  and  Presidency  of 


INDEX. 


533 


89,  90,  covenant  with  Synod  (1807),  89-91,363, 
Dr.  Livingston  again  elected  President  and 
Theolog.  Prof.,  91,  374,  his  address,  1810,  418, 
Rev.  Ira  Cnndict  made  Vice- President,  91,  en- 
dowment languishes,  93,  95,  receives  Van 
Biinschooten  Bequest,  94,  367,  Rev  Dr.  John 
Schureman  made  Vice-President  <  {,  96,  shall 
the  Seminary  be  separated  fr<  m,  96,  too,  con- 
verted  into  a  Theological  College  98,  Profs, 
of  theology  to  teach  all  branches  in,  except 
Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy,  98,  ef- 
forts to  increase  endowment  (1816),  98,  exer- 
cises suspended  (1816-1825),  96,  99,  lor,  the 
Colltge  Building  sold  to  the  Synoi',  98,  loi, 
129,  trustees  meet  regularly  to  administer  the 
various  Funds  (1826-1825),  99,  re-opening  of 
the  CoPege  (1825),  iii,  112,  Dr.  Milledoler 
made  President  of,  1 11,  its  importance  to  the 
Church,  112,  progress  of  Endowment.  112,  new 
Covenant  with  General  Syi.od,  112,  365,  name 
changed  to  Rutgers  Collegp,  112,  113,  Dr. 
McClelland  becomes  Prof,  of  Languages,  114, 
119,  the  teaching  of  '1  heolog.  Profs,  in,  only 
temporary,  114,  115,  118,  Vice-Presidency  cf 
118,  the  revival  of,  1837,  119,  modifications  of 
relations  to  Synod,  119,  Dr.  Janeway,  Vice- 
President,  120,  relations  to  the  Synod  re- 
viewed, 121,  no  Theological  Prof  to  be  Presi- 
dent, 121,  reports  of,  120,  121,  122,  covenant 
of  1825  renewed,  122,  365,  366,  duties  of  the 
several  Chairs  defined,  122,  Theological  Profs, 
to  render  what  service  they  c?n,  123,  Synod 
relinquishes  all  rights  in.  123,  367,  Hon.  A. 
B.  Hasbrouck  made  President  (484c),  123, 
Hon.  Theodore  Frelinghuysen  msde President 
(1850),  125,  Rev.  Dr.  W'm.  H.  Campbell  made 
President  (1863),  125,  129,  also  Prof,  of 
Christian  Evidences,  125,  Library  divided 
with  the  Seminary,  128,  trustees  re-purchase 
the  property  of  General  Synod  (1864),  129,  130, 
384,  Synod  relintiuislies  its  right  to  appoint  a 
Theolog.  Prof,  in,  130,  end  of  the  several 
covenants  with  Synod  (i?64-5),  135,  Buildings 
of,  404,  Prof.  Cooper  appointed  a  member  of 
the  Seminary  Library  Committee,  139,  Presi- 
dent of,  delivers  addresses  at  dedication  of 
Suydam  Hall,  139,  and  of  Sage  Library,  130, 
Vedder  lectures  for  students  of  College  and 
Seminary,  141,  relations  to  Seminary,  155-157, 
congratulations  at  Seminary  Centennial  by 
President  Gates,  237,241,  by  Prof.  Doolitile, 
241-245.  See  College  Theological  Seminary; 
Covenants;  Endowments. 
Rutgers,  Col.  Henry,  his  name  given  to  Queens 
College,  11^,  sketch  of,  378,  first  president  of 
Bd.  cf  Education,  407,  gives  scholarship.. 407 

Sacred  Languages 50,  84,  414 

Sacred  Rhetoric,  a  Committee  appointed  to 
consider  expediency  of  a  Professorship  of,  128, 
129,  131.  See  Pastoral  Theology  and  Sec 
Rhetoric. 
Sacred  Theology,  Dr.  Livingston  elected  Prof, 
of,  50,  79,  83,  his  MSS.  lectures  on,  108,  taught 
temporarily  by  Prof.  De  Witt  (Sr.)...iio,  in 
Sacrifice,  Rev.  H.  D.  Ganse  lectures  on  ...140 
Sage,  Gardner  A.,  member  of  Herizog  Hall 
Committee,  135,  137,  devotes  his  time  to  the 
interests  of  the  Seminary,  136,  117,  unites  with 
Jas.  Suvdam  in  purchasing  a  Professonal  Res- 
idence, 137,  404,  determines  to  build  a  fire- 
proof Library,  138,  404,  hus  personal  oversight 
of  the  building,  138,  constructs  a  fire-proof 
closet  for  records  of  Synod,  138,  his  gifts  for 
repairs  of  Hertzog  Hall,  139,  for  needy  stu- 
dents, 139,  his  yearly  gifts  to  meet  deficiencies 
in  income  of  Hertzog  Hall,  139,  gives  §25,000 
for  permanent  endowment  of  Hertzog  Hall, 
139,  S3^,ooo  for  annual  expenses  of  the  Gard- 
ner A.  Sage  Librsrj',  139,  §2,500  for  the  im- 


mediate purchase  if  books,  385,^20,000  f«r  a 
book  fund,  85. ^o  for  compkting  the  base- 
ment of  Sage  Library,  85,000 lor  two  scholar- 
ships, and  bv  will,  $50,000  for  a  new  Profes- 
sorship, 139,  his  death,  139,  sketch  of,  399.  See 
Gardner  A.  Sage  Library  Endowment. 

Salary,  withheld  from  ministers 70 

Salary,  of  Professors..  .93,  139,  259,  353,  374,  406 

Salary,  of  Profe.^sors  Emeriti 125 

Schenectady,  as  a  location  for  Seminar)',  16,  252, 

Church  of 83,  85,  352,353 

Schermtrhorn,  Rev.  J.  F 114,  409 

SchiefHin,  Samuel  B.,  gives  Si, 000 405 

Schleiermacher 42 

Scholars  z>s.  Pastors , 30 

Scholarship,  True 28 

Scholarships,  (i)  those  held  by  Rutgers  College, 
94,  139'  369,  370,  406,  409;  (2)  those  held  by 
General  S>  nod,  407,  408;  (3)  those  held  by  the 
Board  of  Education,  408,  409.  See  Benefi- 
ciaries; Board  of  Education;  Van  Bunschooten 
Bequest;  Knox  Fund. 

Schoonmaker,    Henry 50 

Schoonmaker,  Rev.  Dr.  Jacob 118 

Schureman  Family 96 

Schureman,  Rev.  John,  5,  Vice-President  of 
Queens  College,  96,  appointed  Prof.,q8,  death, 
100,  sketch  of,  431. 

Science ,..41 

Scott,  Rev.  Dr.  Charles,  139,  address  at  Centen- 
nial  250;  281 

Seamen's  Friends  Society 116 

Secession 420,424 

Secession  from  theCoetus 58,  61 

Second  Professorship 97,98,104 

Sectarianism.     See  Denominations, 

See,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  L 410 

Selyns,  Rev.  H.,  letter  to  Classis 307 

Seminary.    See  Theological  Seminary. 

Semler ,...., 29 

Senior  Class,  yearly  gift  of  books  to,  by  James 
Suydam,  139,  to  deliver  addresses  at  Com- 
mencement  142 

Shedd,  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  T.,  elected  Prof.,  but  de- 
clines, 140,  quoted 167 

Siam 116 

Smith,  Rev.  Dr.  Henry  B 227 

Smith,  John  L.,  gives  $t,ooo  fcr  repairs 405 

Smith,  Rev.  Dr   Nic.  E..  his  gift  of  $40,000,  131 

released  from  his  bond 132,  133 

Smyth,  Rev.  Dr.  E.  C,  letter  of  congratulation 

at  Centennial iq8 

Society  of  Inquiry,  116,  roi  m  for 137 

Socinianism,  Dr.  Van  Vranken's  sermon  on, .447 
Sons  of  the  Church,  to   be   con^ecrat«d    to  the 

ministry 18 

Soteriology,  Prof,  of,  desirable 42 

South  .Africa 117 

Speculation,  danger   of,    27,   the  curse    of    the 

Church 33 

Spiritual   Renovation,   sermon   on   by  Rev.  Dr. 

McClelland 117 

Sprague's  Annals 48 

Standards  of  the  Church 117,  293 

Standing  Committee  on  Hertzog  Hall  ;  see  Peter 
Hert20g    Hall  ;       Committee    on     Seminary 
Grounds,  etc. 
Steams.  Kev.  Dr.  L.  F.,  letter  of  congratulation 

at  Centennial 200 

Steffens,  Rev.  N.  M.,  elected  Prof,  of  Theology 
in  Hope  Seminary,  117,  congratulations  of,  at 

Centennial 196 

Steward,  D.Jackson,  gives  $2,500  for  library.. 385 

Stitt,  Rev.  Dr.C.  H   141 

Strong,  Rev.  Dr. 'I  hos.  C   127,128 

Studdiford,   Rev.  Peter,  appointed    teacher    of 

Hebrew  by  Bd.  of  Sups.,  95,  sketch  of 459 

Student;  see  Theological  Siudents. 

Studies 462-473 


524 


CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


Stufges,  Jonathan,  gives  $2,500  for  Library .  .385 
Supervision  by  the  Church  over  Professors. 2?,  31 
Suydam,  James,  a  member  of  the  B"ard  of  Edu- 
cation, 134,  gives  $40,000  for  endowment  of 
the  Chair  of  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology, 
734,  increases  the  sum  by  $20,000,  134,  the=e 
gitts  m:ike  good  the  loss  of  Dr.  Smith's  bond, 
135,  member  of  and  services  on  Hertzog  Hall 
Com.,  135,  137,  139;  other  gifL=,  136,  137,  385, 
unites  with  Sage  in  buying  a  Professorial  resi- 
dence, i;7,  404,  buildstheJamesSuydam  Hall, 
137,  404,  lays  the  corner-stone,  137,  his  death, 

137,  endows   four  scholarships,  139,  gifts  by  his 
will,  13c,  404;  bronze  statue  to  his  honor,  140, 

de-cription  oi  statue,  140,  239,  sketch  of 390 

See  James  Suydam  Hall;  James  buydam  Pro- 
fessorship. 

Synod;  see  General  Synod;  Particular  Synod. 

Synod  of  North  Holl.md 48,  50,  6c,  61,  67,  78 

Synthesis  of  Theology  30 

Systematic  Theology,  living  character  cf,  25,  26. 
See  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology. 

Sloughter,  Gov.  instructions  to 303 

Taylor,   Rev.  Dr.  B.  C 198 

Taylor,  Rev.  Graha  m 213 

Taylor,  Rev.Dr.  W.J. R.  his  Centennial  Discourse 
quoted,  104,  member  of  Hertzog  Hall  Com., 
135,  presides  at  dedication  of  the  Sage  Library, 

138,  address  at  unveiling  of  Suydam  statue,  1 39, 
140,  281. 

Ten  E\  clc,  Jac.  H.,  bequest  to  the  Seminary. 405 

Theological  College. 98,  365 

Theological  Education,  Livingston,  the  father 
of 104 

Theological  Hall  (College  Building). 126,  128,  364 

Theolog.  Professorship  of  Missionary  J'raining, 
asked  (or  by  Synod  of  Chicago 174 

Theological  Seminaries  send  letters  of  congratu- 
lations  196-231 

Theological  Seminary  of  the  Reformed  (Dutch) 
Church,  the  first  in  America,  359,  importance 
of  knowing  its  historv,  17. — Preliminary  His- 
tory, see  Professorship  of  Theology  ;  Colum- 
bia College  ;  Rutgers  College  ;  College  of 
New  Jersey. — The  various  locations  proposed, 
85,  346,  347,  352,  356;  endowment,  see  endow- 
ments; Plan  of  Study,  95,  462-473;  the  Build- 
ings, see  Peter  Hertzog  Hall  ;  James  Suydam 
Hall  ;  Gardner  A.  Sage  Library  ;  Professorial 
Residences  ;  the  government,  see  Board  of 
Superintendents;  the  students,  485;  the  Pro- 
fessors, 414,  415,  see  under  each  name;  the 
Professorships,  according  to  their  exact  titles, 
and  arranged  alphabetically,  are  as  follows  : 

Bibical  Literature:  De  Witt  (Sr.),  1825,  103  ; 
McClelland,  1832,  T14  ;  Campbell,  1851,  125  ; 
De  Wilt  fjr.\  1863 129 

Bibicai  Literature  and  Ecc.  History:  Ludlow, 
1819,  loi  ;  De  Witt(Sr.),  1823 103 

Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology  :  Milledoler, 
1825,  III  ;  Van  Vranken,  1841,  124  ;  B  rg, 
1S61,  129  ;  Van  Zandt,  1:172,  141  ;  Mabon, 
1881,  143  ;  [Crispell,i867,  173  ;  Steffcns,  1884, 
I77-] 

Ecclesiastical  Hist,  and  Ch.  Governinent, 
Woodbridge 414 

Ecclesiastical  Hist.,  Ch.  Gov.,  and  Pastoral 
Duties,  Si"hureman,  1815 414 

Ecclesiastical  Hist.,  Ch.  Gov.  and  Pastoral 
Theology,  Woodhull,  1825,  iii  ;  Cannon, 
1826 113 

Hebrew,  teacher  of,  Bassett,  1804,  89  ;  Profes- 
sor of,  Romeyn,Jer.,  1804 89 

Hebrew  and  Ecc.  History,  Van  Harlingen, 
i8;2 ...95 

Hellenistic  Greek  and  New  Testament  Exegesis, 
De  Witt  (Jr.),  1884 ..144 

Old  Testament  Languages  and  Exegesis,  Lan- 
sing, 1884 144 


Pastoral  Theology,  Ecc.  Hist.,  and  Church  Gov. 

Ludlow,  1852  ,  Woodbridge,  1857. 
Pastoral   Theology  and  Sacred  Rhetoric,  Dem- 

are-t,  1865 132 

Sacred   Languages,   Instructor  in,    Meyer   H., 

1784 .••, 50.  83 

Sacred  Theology,  Livingston,  1784 50,  83 

Theology,  Froeligh,  1797,  86 ;  Romeyn,  D., 
1797,  £6  ;  Lector  in,  Meyer,  1786  ;  Fioeligh, 
1792  ;  Romeyn,  D.,  1792. 
Theological  Students,  examination  before  the 
Coetuf,  56,  must  have  literary  qualifications, 
79,  82,  expected  to  pay  fees  to  Professors,  84, 
87,  expenses  cf,  84,  studying  with  different 
ministers,  84,  number  under  the  respective 
Profs,  in  1800,  87,  in  1810,  gj,  mostly  from  the 
poor,  94,  provision  for  their  education,  94, 
duties  of,  95,  intere^5t  in  Foreign  Missions,  115; 
small  number  or,  118,  great  increase,  119, 
memorialize  the  Board  of  Superintends  about 
a  Theological  Hail,  1854,  126,  Mr.  Suydam's 
Fund  for  gft  to  graduating  class,  139,  Vedder 
Lei,tures  for,  141,  general  help  fir  needy,  177, 
289,  363,  365,  367,  catalogue  of,  482,  number  at 

Hope  Seminary,  177,  requirements  of 468 

Theology,  the  central  thing  in  Church  History, 
32;  division  of,  into  Biblical  Theology  and 
Christian  History,  33;  necessity  of  study  of,  in 
its  historical  aspect,  34;  position  of  in  new 
Curriculum,  23;  definition  of,  negatively  and 
positively,  23;  conditions  for  successful  study 
of,  23;  is  exegetical,  24;  is  historical,  23,  25; 
is  s\stematic,  25,  26;  is  practical,  26,  27;  the 
different  theologies  in  the  Bible,  26,  note; 
must  have  its  rightful  place  in  theolog.  educa- 
tion, 3c;  used  in  a  general  sense  to  cover  all 
branches  of  ministerial  education,  8i,  353,  472; 

all  Professors  are  Professors  of  theology 

288-29S ,  23 

Third  Professorship 104 

Treasurer  of  Gen.  Synod,  (1825)  to  be  treasurer 

of  Rutii;ers  Coilege 112 

Trinity  Church,  offers  lands  unconditionally  for 
a  College,  53,  308,  offer  repeated,  with  condi- 
tions, 63,  308,  oflFet  accepted  by  Kings  College, 
63.  See  Columbia  College. 
Thompson,  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.,  address  at  Centen- 
nial  212 

Trustees  of  Rutgers  College;  see  Rutgers  Col- 
lege. 

Tuition  fees   in  the  College 365 

Turk,  Tannake,  Scholarship  given  by  Miss  Anna 

Turk 407 

Typology,  Professorship  ot,  desirable 42 

Unbelief,  a  crime 30 

Underwood,  Rev.  Horace  G.,  first  missionary  to 

Corea 117 

Union  College 8?,  83,352,353 

Union  of  Denominations 71-76 

Union  ofCoetus  and  Conferentie,  a  Plan  pre- 
paring,  73,  character  of  preliminary  Plan,  73- 
75'  33+-33S'  failure  of,  78,  cautious  prepara- 
tion for  another  Plan,  78,  Plan  of  Union 
adopted,  78,79,  107,  162,  permits  examinations, 
78,  79,  must  call  Professors  from  the  Nether- 
lands, 79,  359,  ratification  of,  79,  80,  342,  good 
effects  of,  81,   some  congregations  hold  aloof 

from     81,91,107 

Union  Theological  Seminary,  (Hampden  Sidney, 

Va.,)  sends  congratulations 199 

Union  Theological  Seminsry,    (New  York  Cit\), 

126,  140,  congratulations  ci 199,  226 

Universities  of  Holland,    5c,  51,  send   letters   of 

congratulations  to  Centennial 185-186 

University  c f  Pennsylvania 124 

University  of  the  State  of  New  York 82,  352 

Utrecht  University..  50,  70,  80,  82,  ic6,  108,  184- 

187,297,  345,  348,  349- 
Vacatioas 93 


INDEX. 


525 


Valentine,  Rev.  Dr.  M.,  letter  of  congratulation 

at  Centennial  187 

Van  bun.schooten.  Rev.  Elias,  5,  72,  367,  sketch 

of 371 

Van  Bunschooten  L!equest..94,  90,  101,  365,  370, 

406. 
Van  Cleef,  Rev.  Dr.  Paul  D.,  Chairman  of  Com- 
mittee on  Centennial   celebration,  .wii;  one  of 
Committee  to  edit  Centennial  volume,  vi. 

Vanderbilt,  John 86 

Vanderlinde,  Rev.   J!enj 55 

Vandervier,  Rev.   Dr.  John,   gives  £2,500    for 

Library,  385,  bequest  ol  <  1,000 405 

Van  DycW,  .\bram 104,378 

Van  Dyke,  Rev.  L.  H 134 

Van  I>)ke,  John 136,  388,  389 

Van  Gieson.Rev.  Dr.  A.  P 52 

Van  Harlingen,  Rev.  J.  M.   e  ected   Professor, 

95,  sketch  of . . .    429 

Van  Nest,  Rev.  Dr.   Abram   R.,    101,102,   376, 
104,  III,  118,  closing  address  at   Centennial. . 

279;  3S6 

Van  Nist,  Rev.  Jacobus 59 

Van    Pelt,   Rev.    Daniel,  translates   letters  for 

Centennial 185,189 

Van  Renssc-laer,  E.igene,  bequest  to  Permanent 

Fund 405 

Van  Rensselaer,  Siephen 118,  380,  407 

Van  Rensselaer,  Stephen  ( Ir.) 131 

Van  Rensselaer.  Wni.  P.,  gives  scholarship.. 407 

Van  Santvoord,  Rev.  iJr.  Cornelius 142 

Van  Schaick,  Jane  C,  gives  $1,000 405 

Van  Vechien,  A.V.'.V.,  addressat  Centennia',249 

Van  Vranken,  Rev.  Dr.  S.  A.,  delivers  charge  to 

Prof.  McClelland,  114,  elected  Professor,  124, 

death  of,  129,  ske;ch  of,  444,  references 

5,  126, 151,  156 

Van  Zandt.  Rev.  Dr.  A.   B  ,   elected  Professor, 

141,  dedicates  Suydam   Hall,   138,   his  death, 

142,  sketch  of 456 

Varick,  Richard 86 

Vedder  Lecture  on  Modern  Infidelity,  141,  pub- 
lications of 142,  405,410-413 

Vedder,  Nicholas   T.,    founds  an  annual  course 
of  lectures  on  "  The  Present  Aspects  of  Modern 


Infidi-liiy,  including  its  Cause  and  Cure,"  151, 

sketch  nf 413 

Verbryck,  Rev.   Samuel   ..    50,70,71 

Vcrmilye,  Rev.  Dr.  Thcs.  E 124,  151,  281 

Vuorlescr 52 

Waldensians  in  Holland 50 

Warner  Peter  R.,  bequest  of  $1,000  to  Pfima- 

nent  Fund 405 

Watch  Tower,  'I  he,  a  series  ot   papers   in  New 

York  Mercury,  by  Hon.  Wm.  Livincston,  62, 

34I- 

Wealth,  uses  of 367 

Weaver,  Apeni,  letter  of 307 

Wells,  Rev.  Dr.  R 409 

Wesley,  Rev.  John 39,  224 

Wcssels,  Messrs.  Wessel  and  Francis..  127,383 

West  India  Co 50 

Wheeler,  S.  R 135 

Wliitefield,  Rev.  George 39 

William  the  Silent,  Nass.Tu   Hall   at  Princeton 

named  after 72,  215 

Williamson,   Douw   D.,  bequest  to  Permanent 

Fund 405 

Willis,  Rev.  Ralph 134 

Wilson,  Peter,  £6,  357,  358,  sketch  of 420 

Witherspoon,  Rev.  Dr.  John 74,  75,  209,  210 

Woodbridge,  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  M.,  elected  Pro- 
fessor, 128,  leaches  Systematic  Theology,  tem- 
porarily (if 61),  129, efforts  to  increase  endow- 
ment (1865),  131,  delivers  address  at  laying  of 
corner  stone  of  Sage  Library,  138,  teaches 
Systematic  Theology,  temporarily  (1871),  140, 

his  illness  (1882) 143.281 

Woodhull,  Rev.   Dr.  Selah,   elected  Professor, 

III,  his  death,  T13.  sketch  of 436 

Woodrow,  Rev.   Dr.  James,   congratulations  at 

Centennial 201 

Worship,  true 27 

Wyckoff,  John,  gives  a  scholarship 407 

Wynkoop,  Peter  S 93,  108 

Vale  College .105,  229,  230 

Yale  Divinity  School,  congratulations  of . . . .  229 

Youngbl&od,  Rev.  Wm   117 

Zabriskie,  Rev.  Dr.  F.  N.,  address  on  the  Min- 
istry of  the  Past  and  Futuie 263 


526  CENTENNIAL   MEMORIAL. 


CORRIGENDA. 


Pagk  35,  line  8;   or  tyranical,  read  tyrannical. 

"  40,  line  5;  for  wisdom  read  Wisdom. 

"  40,  line  17;  for  Edward's,  read  Edwards'. 

"  4S,  line  21 ;  for  1771-93,  read  1771-92. 

'•  48,  line  21;  for  1794.99,  read  1793-99. 
"         59;  line  3;  for  professed,  read  possessed. 

"  68,  line  8;  fir  character,  read  character.* 
"         73,  line  22;  for  desirious,  read  desirous. 

"  364,  line  I,       "         "  "  " 

"        77,  line  8  from  bottom;  for  Colleges,  read  College. 

"  83,  line  7,  in  title;  for  Kings  College  read  Columbia  College. 

•■  88,  line,  15;  make  same  correction. 

"  86,  line  7;  for  Co.legiat,  read  Cjllegiate. 

"  89,  line  9;  for  Particular  Synod,  read  General  Synod. 

"  9i,  line  3  from  bottom;  for  farmer  read  latter. 

'■  107,  line  16  from  top;  omit  and. 

"  127,  line  8  from  bottom;  for  Payton  read  Dayton. 

"  137,  line  25;  for  $100,000  read  $86,250. 

"  195,  line  17;  for  Ref.  Dr.  ch.  read  Ref.  D.  Ch. 

"  226,  line  2;  for  Prentess  read  Prentiss. 

"  238,  line  23;  for  she,  read  he. 

264,  line  14;  for  crystallizing,  read  crystalizing. 

"  2S7,  line  I,  of  fact  note;  put  comma  after  volume,  and  after  Synod. 

"  294,  foot  note;;  for  1 8S3,  read  1833 

"  295,  line  133,  heading;  omit  "  1833  and  " 

"  334,  line  II  from  bottom;  insert  than  after  necessary. 

"  365!  line  28;  forNesh,  read  Nest. 

366,  line  3  from  bottom;  for  1S58,  read  1850. 

"  3S6,  line  4;  add  at  end,  back, 

"  403,  line  11;  for  Del,  read  et. 

"  403,  line  8  from  bottom;  for  Ouken's,  read  Oncken's. 

405'  line  2  from  bottom  ;  for  $1,500,  read  $2,500. 

"  409,  line  15,  for  $180,000,  read  $197,000. 

"  454.  line  18;  for  converted,  read  convinced. 

"  467,  at  end  of  paragraph  5,  read  (1812,  1828). 


Princeton  Theoloqical ,  Seminary J-ibraries 


1    1012  01251    2754 


J^JBM^g 

1^  ■ 

•• 

